About Cllr. Deirdre Forde

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to view my web-site.

Hopefully, you will continue to check in to keep informed of my work on behalf of the people who elected me.

If you would like to read my full statement on why I joined Fine Gael, you may do so by clicking here.

I grew up in Mitchelstown Co. Cork the eldest of six (maiden name Finn) and after the usual schooling had a brief spell in Aer Lingus and then the Bank of Ireland. I retain many happy memories of my time in Middleton, Listown and Cork and the wonderful colleagues and friends I met along the way.
I was married for 25 years and I have three grown up children one of whom has returned from Australia recently.
In 1999 after about ten years of helping canvass at various elections, I was asked to put my name forward for the Local Elections for the Carrigaline Constituency and was elected first time out. (You can view my great results under uncategorised) I can only thank the people for giving me the opportunity for the past ten fulfilling years filled with variety, challenge, experience and enjoyment at meeting so many people from a wide variety of backgrounds and diversity of needs.

There are very few women in politics (a fact I try to impress on Transition Year Students when I am asked to speak to them) and I believe that women bring a fresh perspective to all issues which can only enhance the quality of life of our citizens.

COMMITTEES SERVED
Cork County Council
Attend full Council meetings where any issue that effects citizens can be tabled and debated.
Area Roads Committee (issues pertaining to roads, footpaths, lighting, litter or any issues affecting people on the ground)
Divisional
Housing and Sanitation
Housing issues eg Cemeteries
Water and Sewerage
S.P.C. (Strategic Policy Committees) – drawing up policies in relation to taking charge of housing estates
Recreation and Amenity policies
Infrastructure
Housing (points system)
European Affairs
Exchange of views, policies, visiting sites of mutual interest with other countries ie environmental issues, sustainable developments, energy saving

Community
Chairperson of Maryborough residents association
Chairperson and founding member of D.A.T.A.S. (Douglas Active Teenagers & Seniors) incorporating Douglas Young at Heart run by Phil Goodman and Douglas Youth Action run by Sonia Coakley

Other
Member of Soroptimists (worldwide organisation for women in management)
Director of S.E.C.A.D. (South & East Cork Area Development)
Member of Network Cork

I have also served on the governing body of U.C.C., their joint student Board and staff committees

I have worked extremely hard over the past ten years to make a difference to the lives of my constituents. This month I successfully ensured that the County Development Plan contains a wording which will guarantee that any major development proposal which comes before Council for the greater Douglas area will contain proposals which meet the Recreation Amenity and Community needs of the people.

Currently my top priorities are:
• Traffic Calming Scheme for Rochestown Road from Fingerpost to Rochestown Inn.
• Upgrade various areas of Clarkes Hill including junction with Maryborough Hill.
• Continue to push for conclusion of Green Route on Maryborough Hill and Donnybrook Hill (I have over 100 representations and motions to Council on this issue which was successfully passed at Council last Christmas.
• Carrigaline Inner Relief Road
• Guide the refurbishment of unit for DATAS which will bring many happy hours for our senior citizens under the guiding eye of Phil Goodman and for the Young People of DYA under the guiding eye of Sonya Hannan (for which I have successfully obtained €30,000 on behalf of the committee for this project) which we hope to commence shortly.
• Continued growth potential for strategic economic drivers of Airport and Ringaskiddy.

Finally, I hope that I will again have the faith of the people next June to enable me to continue my work on behalf of my constituents.

Deirdre.