Independent Councillor Mary Linehan Foley has been elected Mayor of the County of Cork for the second time, promising to champion investment and infrastructure improvements across all areas of the county.
The Youghal native, who previously held the mayoral office from 2020 to 2021, was nominated by Councillor Alan Coleman and seconded by Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy at Cork County Council’s Annual Meeting. Councillor Ian Doyle from Fianna Fáil has been elected as Deputy Mayor.
With 26 years of public service under her belt, Mayor Linehan Foley brings considerable experience to the role. She first entered politics in 1999 when elected to Youghal Town Council, continuing a family tradition established by her father Paddy Linehan, who served on the town council for 46 years. She joined Cork County Council in 2014.
Reflecting on her return to the mayoralty, Mayor Linehan Foley said:
“The world was a very different place in June 2020 when I last had the honour of being Mayor of the County of Cork. The roads were deserted and all meetings took place online. I am really looking forward to a more personal connection with my fellow elected members this time around and meeting communities in every part of County Cork.”
The mother of five and grandmother of six highlighted successful projects in her home town as examples of what can be achieved through strategic investment. Mayor Linehan Foley explained:
“I have seen the positive impact that investment can bring to a town or a village. The Youghal Boardwalk, the Midleton to Youghal Greenway and investment in tourism sites such as the Clock Gate Tower have been transformative for Youghal. I am committed to securing further investment in tourism, not only in Youghal and East Cork but right across the county.”
Housing remains a key priority for the new mayor, who serves on Cork County Council’s Housing and Tourism SPCs as well as the HSE Regional Forum South. Mayor Linehan Foley stated:
“I am committed to ensuring that we continue to increase the supply of housing and the infrastructure needed to support those homes regardless of whether they are social, affordable or on the private market.”
Transport infrastructure also features prominently in her agenda, with specific focus on the N25 upgrade between Youghal and Midleton, increased rail service usage, and improved public transport connections to commuter hubs in Midleton and Mallow.
The mayor emphasized her commitment to representing the entire county during her term, drawing on her extensive experience in local government and community development.