The new Mayor of the County of Cork, Barbara Murray with the outgoing Mayor Cllr Tim Lombard and the County Manager Martin Riordan. Picture: Martin Walsh.

Youghal-based councillor Barbara Murray has become the first ever Fine Gael woman to take the position as Mayor of Cork County.
Ms Murray was made Mayor at the council’s annual general meeting at County Hall yesterday. She will now lead a local authority that serves a population of almost 400,000 people.
Her election to the position of the county’s first citizen was cemented by a majority vote, with Fianna Fáil’s Kevin O’Keeffe losing out.
Ms Murray has targeted growth in the tourism and food industries during her term of office.
She said: “I am honoured to be the first Fine Gael lady to take the position of Mayor of the County. One of my priorities as your newly elected County Mayor is to promote Cork in the areas of tourism and enterprise.”
“Tourism I truly believe is one of our finest assets and can be a key driver of economic growth in the region.”
Ms Murray pointed to new tourism projects at Mallow Castle, Spike Island, Fort Camden in Crosshaven and the Mizen Foot Bridge in West Cork as evidence of the inroads that the council has already made. She said the development of a walking trek along the idle 180km West Cork Railway would significantly improve the experience for visitors, with walking and cycling holidays already a key focus for Fáilte Ireland.
The new mayor also called for a strengthening of the council’s role in attracting industry to Cork.
She said: “When multi-nationals look to invest in Cork, the IDA works closely with Cork County Council to ensure that the needs of potential investors to this area are met.
“I believe it is imperative to maintain and nurture this strong relationship going forward.
“It is my belief that the council should continue to support the various food fairs that we have led with our previous mayor, Cllr Tim Lombard, most recently bringing 16 food companies to Amsterdam and with another food fair shortly to be held in France.”
Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s John A Collins, from Carrigaline, was appointed Deputy Mayor for the year.