Cork Businesses and Volunteers Unite for Second City Centre Cleaning Blitz
Cork businesses and volunteers team up for second street cleaning blitz on Oliver Plunkett Street, with Lord Mayor joining morning efforts.
Community spirit was in full swing this morning as dozens of volunteers gathered on Oliver Plunkett Street for the Cork Business Association's second 'Cleaning and Greening' initiative, transforming one of the city's busiest thoroughfares.
Following the success of their inaugural event on North Main Street, the CBA expanded their efforts to include Oliver Plunkett Street and the adjoining Winthrop Street. Volunteers assembled at The Old Oak Bar from 8:30am, where they were greeted by the new Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy, before setting about their work.
The morning's activities stretched from Vodafone to The Welcome Inn, with teams tackling a variety of tasks including cleaning, painting, brushing, removing chewing gum, and hanging flower boxes to brighten the streetscape.
McKechnie Cleaning Services returned as a key supporter, providing professional equipment including power washers, window washers, and industrial sweepers. The CBA supplied volunteers with gloves, brushes, litter pickers, and paint to ensure thorough coverage.
Dave O'Brien, President of the Cork Business Association:
"This was about more than just a tidy-up: it was about business owners and locals taking pride in our shared spaces. Our first event showed what a difference one morning of focused action can make, and we were delighted to build on that momentum on Oliver Plunkett Street and Winthrop Street."
The initiative represents part of a broader CBA campaign to improve Cork City one street at a time, enhancing streetscapes whilst encouraging civic pride and supporting the city's reputation as a welcoming, vibrant destination.
The collaborative effort between the CBA and Cork City Council was guided by a visual audit carried out in advance to identify specific issues such as dirt, debris, outdated signage, and neglected infrastructure.
Volunteers' hard work throughout the morning was rewarded with lunch kindly provided by Market Lane, capping off what organisers described as another successful and uplifting community initiative.
