Councillor Albert Deasy has tabled a motion urging Cork City Council to request an immediate meeting with Minister for Housing, James Browne, to ensure full funding for 173 home acquisitions approved in 2024 without reducing the €20 million allocated for 2025.
The Tenant in Situ and Rightsizing Programmes allow local authorities to purchase homes to prevent tenant evictions and support older residents in downsizing. However, Minister Browne recently announced that carry-over costs for 2024 acquisitions, including properties already in the sale-agreed stage, will be deducted from the 2025 budget.
This decision will exhaust the €20 million fund, leaving a €1.6 million shortfall and jeopardizing vital housing initiatives.
Cllr Deasy argues that this approach is unfair, as no specific budget was set for 2024 acquisitions, only a target number.
He notes that the financial years 2023 and 2024 were treated separately for funding purposes, setting a precedent that should apply now. “Deducting 2024 carry-over costs from 2025 funds is unreasonable and risks pushing vulnerable households toward homelessness,” Deasy said. “We need a clear agreement to protect the 2025 budget and deliver these critical homes.”
Cllr Deasy calls on Cork City Council to support his motion and urges the public to advocate for fair housing funding. A meeting with the Minister is essential to secure the resources needed to protect Cork’s most vulnerable residents.
About Cllr Albert Deasy:
Cllr Albert Deasy is a dedicated member of Cork City Council, committed to addressing housing challenges and advocating for equitable policies to support all residents of Cork City.
Local Residents and Councillor Albert Deasy oppose a City Council plan to build eight housing units on a small site at the entrance to Inniscarra View Estate. The proposal includes four terraced houses,
three apartments over three floors, and one detached residence, with only two parking spaces.
View Interview With Eugene Quinn Of CORK MATTERS
While supportive of new housing, the community argues the project’s scale is excessive. “The site is overdeveloped,” said Cllr. Deasy: “Three-story apartments don’t fit the area’s architecture, and two parking spaces are inadequate, risking overflow into the nearby area.
“This proposal is inappropriate and must be scaled back considerably,” Cllr Deasy stressed. For details on submitting objections, visit the City Council’s planning portal or contact local officials.
Cllr. Albert Deasy has sent a letter to the Lord Mayor requesting that a Book of Condolences be opened at City Hall to enable the people of cork to express their condolences on the passing of Pope Francis
Bishop Fintan Gavin will celebrate a Solemn Mass for the Repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, Cork on Friday evening, 25th April at 7.30 pm, and a Book of Condolences has been opened at the Cathedral
“I am writing to respectfully request that Cork City Council open a physical Book of Condolence at City Hall to allow the people of Cork, who may not find it convenient to go to the Cathedral to sign the Book of Condolence there, to express their sympathies and pay their respects upon the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Additionally, I would ask that the Council consider flying the flags at half-mast at City Hall on Saturday, the day of the funeral, as a mark of respect and mourning.
This is a longstanding tradition in Cork City Hall, observed on such solemn occasions, and it is both appropriate and desirable that as many citizens of our city as possible be offered the opportunity to participate in a communal expression of grief and reflection. Many in our community feel a deep connection to the papacy, and gestures such as these provide a meaningful way to honour that bond.
Thank you kindly for considering both my requests, and I thank you in advance.
An artist’s impression shows the proposed service on St Patrick’s Street
A preferred 18km route for Cork’s proposed Luas light rail service has been unveiled, with public consultation now open until 9 June. The route will connect Ballincollig to Mahon Point, featuring 25 stops, including key locations such as Munster Technological University, Cork city centre, Kent Station, and Blackrock.RTE NEWS
The plan includes a new transport bridge linking Kent Station to Kennedy Quay, upgraded cycling infrastructure, a park-and-ride facility for 1,000 vehicles in Ballincollig, and a major hub in Mahon.
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Led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority, the project is being developed in conjunction with BusConnects.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin called the launch a “transformational” move for Cork, promising better connectivity and new opportunities. Lord Mayor Dan Boyle described it as a crucial addition to Cork’s public transport network, aiming to cut car use and support sustainable urban growth.
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Residents are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of Cork’s transport system by sharing their feedback during the consultation.
Newly elected Councillor Albert Deasy, an Independent who won his seat in Cork City South West LEA to represent the people of Cork City, stands out very prominently to me.I have been watching Albert’s social media for a while.
I have noticed he keeps people up to date on matters of importance, whether it is services available, grants and subsidies that are available. In some of his posts, he highlights people’s rites and entitlements and the route to take for same
Cork Matters spoke to him about how he embraces social media as a tool to connect with the electorate. “It is my duty as an elected representative to inform people of the services, supports and entitlements out there and also to voice peoples concerns in council chambers in City Hall”
He also brought to my attention on his social media the following content
“The Mobility Aids Grant scheme provides grant aid to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems associated with ageing, primarily, but not exclusively.
Types of work allowable You can use this grant to improve access in your home, like adding: grab rails, a ramp, an accessible shower, and a stair lift
The maximum grant of €8,000 may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €37,500 per annum.
You can download the form below, or you can get a copy of the form from the Housing Grants Section of your Local Authority or their website https://bit.ly/40ZaR1B
To connect with Cllr Albert Deasy or engage with his media platforms, press on the image below
Cllr. Deasy criticized the apparent lack of engagement with human rights and environmental issues, and he sought to ask Cork City Council whether any member of the delegation raised concerns about the plight of the Uyghur communities or the persecuted Christian and Tibetan minority communities. Were labour practices in Chinese factors or environmental concerns in China questioned?
Cllr. Deasy noted that when he attempted to pose these questions at the City Council meeting on March 10th, he was harangued so by the Lord Mayor, who claimed Cllr. Deasy was making a statement rather than asking questions.
“I believe the Lord Mayor’s actions were an attempt to prevent scrutiny of this trip and avoid addressing uncomfortable truths,” Cllr. Deasy said. “This raises further concerns, especially given the report’s mention of inward foreign direct investment by Chinese investors in our city. The answers to these questions are clearly in the public interest.”
Noting the €25,000 cost of the Shanghai trip, and overall expenditure on foreign travel in 2024 of €244,000, Cllr. Deasy is calling for a comprehensive review of expenditure and procurement across the administrative arm of Cork City Council, with a view to directing funding towards the operational arm and addressing Member’s priorities of housing provision, housing maintenance and basic infrastructural deficits.
Contact: [Cllr. Albert Deasy’s Contact Information
Bol-Chumann na hÉireann held its Annual Prizegiving Ceremony and Dinner on November 23, 2024, at The Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway. The evening, hosted by Hon. Sec. Michéal Ó Ceallachain, included prominent figures like Chairman William Murphy, Hon. Treasurer James O’Driscoll, and Cllrs. Albert Deasy and Deirdre Kelly, representing Cork City and County. Pat O’Hagan from Bol-Chumann Ard Mhaca, alongside his wife Marie, also attended.
Key awards celebrated outstanding achievements in road bowling. Geraldine Curtin received Most Improved Female Player of the Year for her consecutive county wins. James O’Donovan was named Male Player of the Year for his gold medal in Germany. The Personality of the Year award honoured Jimmy Hennessy, Castletown Bowling Club President and lifelong sport contributor.
A poignant moment recognized the late Pat McCarthy, posthumously inducted into two Halls of Fame for his decades of dedication to road bowling and sports journalism. His daughter Deirdre accepted the award with heartfelt reflections.
Cllrs. Kelly and Deasy praised Bol-Chumann’s role in preserving rural culture, with Deasy emphasizing the sport’s heritage and impact on rural life. The evening concluded with music by The Music Makers, uniting attendees in celebration.
I was shocked by the reaction from Cork City Council to my motion calling for the formal congratulations of President-elect Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and an invitation for them to visit Cork. This hysterical and verbose reaction failed to consider the broader diplomatic and economic context of the motion.
Ireland’s economy is deeply tied to the U.S., as highlighted in the AmCham 2023 US-Ireland Business Report, which shows there are now 950 American companies operating in Ireland, directly and indirectly employing 376,000 people. These companies contribute over €31 billion to the Irish economy annually.
Cork’s economy specifically benefits from significant investments by multinationals in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The policy decisions of President-elect Trump and Health Secretary Kennedy will directly impact these enterprises. Ignoring or alienating this new administration could weaken our economic standing.
Cork City Council’s insult to the close on 80 million U.S. citizens who voted for President Trump is undeniable. Dismissing such a significant portion of the U.S. electorate is not only diplomatically unwise but also disrespectful to those who elected their leader. Instead of reacting with emotional condemnation,Cork City Council should focus on fostering pragmatic, strategic engagement with the new administration. Such engagement is key to protecting our long-term prosperity.
Sincerely, Cllr. Albert DeasyIndependent, Cork City South West LEA
Cllr Albert Deasy is calling on Cork City Council to write to the President-Elect of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, to congratulate him on his historic election victory. Additionally,
Cllr Deasy proposes inviting President-Elect Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to visit the City of Cork at their earliest convenience after the new Federal Government assumes office.
This invitation is crucial due to the significant presence of American multinational corporations in Cork, including Apple, Amazon, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Merck, Eli Lilly, and EMC. Strengthening our relationship with the new administration in the White House is vital in order to foster the economic and social prosperity of our city.
Furthermore, the invitation holds special significance given the historical ties between the Kennedy family and Cork, highlighted by President John F. Kennedy’s memorable visit in 1963, during which he received the Freedom of the City. SOCAIL ADD Cork Invites Trump and RFK Jr.: Councillor Pushes for Presidential Visit to Boost Local Economy
Albert Deasy, Independent Councillor at Cork City Council to clarify his position regarding the current delegation to Shanghai led by The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle. The delegation, taking place from November 1 to November 9, 2024, does not have my endorsement.
“I have deep concerns over the human rights situation in China and refer to reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which raise alarms about a wide range of human rights abuses not to mention allegations of organ harvesting.
Additionally, it is difficult to reconcile Cork City Council’s pronouncements on climate change and sustainability with a delegation to a country to which a recent report from Earth.org attributes large-scale environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and unsustainable resource management.
While I acknowledge the importance of fostering international relationships and business opportunities, I cannot support a delegation to a country with such a serious record in human rights violations. I believe it is crucial to advocate for human rights and ethical governance, and I feel compelled to make my position clear: I do not support this trip, nor do I want it associated with my name
The delegation aims to explore various opportunities for Cork City, including discussions with the Consul General of Ireland in Shanghai and potential collaborations with local health and education institutions. However, I must emphasize that these engagements should not overshadow the pressing ethical considerations surrounding human rights in China.
As a representative of the people of Cork City South West LEA, I will continue to prioritize the best interests of my constituents, including my good friends in the Chinese community here in Cork, and advocate for common sense policies across a broad range of issues”.
For more information, please contact Cllr. Albert Deasy [email protected]
‘Census 2022 figures showed that 41% of people aged between 18 and 34 were listed at their parents’ home on census night. (CSO database table: F3052).
The role of Commercial Institutional Investment Funds that bulk buy homes in new developments is a disaster for this age cohort particularly. A report in the Sunday Business Post, dated 12th March 2024, headlined with: ‘Home Buyers Purchased just 523 of the 9,100 Apartments Built in Dublin Last Year.’
The 10% tax put in place by the Govt. in 2021 has not proven effective in deterring commercial institutional investors, considering that bulk purchasing has increased by 233 percent since 2021. In addition, the tax levied only applies to houses, not apartments. Furthermore, homes leased back to the State for social housing are exempt from the tax. (McDonald Report, September 2024). Connect With Cllr Deasy
Building on the example of Wicklow County Council, which recently voted to ban bulk purchase of apartments in the county , Cllr Deasy calls on Cork City Council to amend the existing City Development Plan, such that the bulk sale in all developments of residential units, whether houses, duplexes or apartments, to commercial institutional investment bodies shall be prohibited. The motion will be discussed at the Ordinary Meeting of Cork City Council on 11th November, 2024.
Bulk Buying of Residential Property by Comercial Institutional Investment Funds
‘Census 2022 figures showed that 41% of people aged between 18 and 34 were listed at their parents’ home on census night. (CSO database table: F3052). The role of Commercial Institutional Investment Funds that bulk buy homes in new developments is a disaster for this age cohort particularly. A report in the Sunday Business Post, dated 12th March 2024, headlined with: ‘Home Buyers Purchased just 523 of the 9,100 Apartments Built in Dublin Last Year.’ The 10% tax put in place by the Govt. in 2021 has not proven effective in deterring commercial institutional investors, considering that bulk purchasing has increased by 233 percent since 2021. In addition, the tax levied only applies to houses, not apartments. Furthermore, homes leased back to the State for social housing are exempt from the tax. (McDonald Report, September 2024).
Building on the example of Wicklow County Council, this Motion calls on Cork City Council to amend the existing City Development Plan, such that the bulk sale in all developments of residential units, whether houses, duplexes or apartments, to commercial institutional investment bodies shall be prohibited.’
N40 Curraheen Interchange Road Access to MTU
‘That Cork City Council notes that:
Traffic congestion in the greater Bishopstown area, exasperated by the return of MTU students, is having a hugely negative effect on the business life, health, lifestyle and delivery of bus services, all of which has been well amplified in the media of late. The completion of the access road infrastructure to MTU, linking the N40 Curraheen Interchange with an existing roundabout located within the MTU Campus, would greatly improve the situation for all. Indications are that further progress of this scheme is pending financial approvals from the NTA.
And calls on the C.E to:
Undertake to intensify efforts to expedite such financial approvals and other conditions in order to enable completion of the project, thereby relieving the community of the burden of traffic congestion, bus delays and problematic parking.’PRESS ON IMAGE TO CONNECT WITH ALBERE DEASY
Permanent Base for Cork City First Responders
‘Cork City First Responders is a voluntary organization that has been serving the Cork City area since 2012, with 52 highly trained volunteers who work in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, providing 24/7, year-round service within a 7.5km radius of the Marina Market. In 2023 alone, they responded to over 1,800 emergency callouts on a voluntary basis. The team supports the community in cases of cardiac arrest, chest pain, respiratory emergencies, choking, and strokes. They also work closely with local community groups, promoting vital life-saving skills such as CPR and defibrillation. Over the past year, they have trained more than 1,500 people in these crucial potentially lifesaving techniques.
Cork City First Responders need a permanent base of operations, ideally circa 2000sq. ft., with 2 training rooms and 2 offices spaces, along with storage and welfare facilities.
This motion calls on the Chief Executive to review existing premises to ascertain if City Council can offer Cork City First Responders a permanent base anywhere within the City Boundary.
Inadequate and dangerous footpath at Garrane Lane, Bishopstown, Cork.
That Cork City Council carry out an inspection of inadequate and dangerous footpath at western side of Garrane Lane, Bishopstown. Pedestrians are forced to use the roadway because of the inadequacy of the existing layout, presenting a danger to life and limb. A segregated, shared use, cycle and pedestrian pathway would serve the needs of the residents.
Read the messaasge that was sent to our elected representatives by concerned City Councillor Albert deasy
I write to request an immediate cessation, pending review, of the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum, as well as a suspension of the DCU SPHE Teacher Training course, pending a full investigation into the course content.
I also request that the influence of activist NGOs in schools, teacher training, and curriculum development be reviewed as a matter of urgency.
I request an immediate cessation of the teaching of transgender and other ideologies that are being taught as fact instead of mere opinion.
You are aware, no doubt, of the content of the Cass Report, as well as the provisions of Articles 42, 42A of the Irish Constitution, as well as Section 9(d) of the Education Act 1998, and the provisions of the Children First Act 2015 and the Children First National Guidance for the protection and Welfare of Children. Therefore, you are also aware that the Curricula you are ‘standing over’ flies directly in the face of the received wisdoms contained in the aforementioned.
Please know that I am inundated, as a Cork City Councillor, with complaints and expressions of deep concern from distraught parents and grandparents, who are bewildered at the complete disregard you display for the welfare of their precious children.
• Why did you decide to run for a seat on Cork City Council and how did it feel when you were elected?
I decided to run because I am distressed at the deterioration in our quality of life, and deeply concerned at what may lay in store for my grandchildren. Politicians, kept in check by the party whip, have stopped listening to the people. Certain NGOs seem to have far more influence over Govt. policy than do the ordinary people. Anyone who questions them is immediately labelled in the most insulting way, and the result is that people are afraid to express their opinions. The final straw for me was the Referenda on Family and Care. Having listened to the advice of Senator Michael McDowell, I personally erected 180 posters around the city, asking the people of Cork to reflect before voting. Subsequently, the Govt. refused to publish the advice they had received from the AG prior to the vote, which completely vindicated the ‘No’ campaign.
I am the third generation of Deasy in this locality, and there are two more generations after me, thank God. I know the people and they want the same thing as me: A safe, affordable area, where we can rear and educate our families, and improve our lives by availing of opportunities to prosper. I am only a mouthpiece for that vision so when I was elected, I felt so proud of, and grateful to, those who favoured me with their vote.
• How have you found the role of a councillor thus far?
Very positive. My fellow Councillors have been very generous with their advice, the staff at City Hall are completely professional and supportive, and there is a very good flow of information. What I am enjoying most is meeting the people of the area and working to provide solutions to the issues they raise.
• When the council meetings resume after the summer break what are your immediate priorities?
My immediate priority is to press for a significant improvement in funding to address infrastructural shortfalls, especially in roads, footpaths and traffic calming. There are several housing and infrastructural developments in the pipeline for our area, and I will be working in the pursuit of good planning outcomes that best represent the interests of the people of the area.
• Over the term of the council what would you hope to achieve?
In addition to being immersed in local issues, I look forward to bringing motions to City Council and raising awareness about the major concerns that were raised by the people of the area during my canvass: Lack of access to affordable housing, loneliness and isolation, city-centre dereliction, issues around migration, over-influence by certain NGOs and threats to Freedom of Speech
