Pictured at the launch of the Fermoy Forum were, from left: Tom Beresford, Orla Mellerick, Paul O'Kelly Lynch, Marie Barry, Thea Murphy and Paul Kavanagh.

‘Working together through partnership’ is the ethos of a new community group called the Fermoy Forum which was officially launched at the recent Fermoy A Cleaner Town Awards held in the Fermoy Community Youth Centre.

Fermoy Forum is a voluntary organisation that works in partnership with local businesses, community groups and the municipal authority to develop and communicate opportunities and implement plans for the economic, social and environmental development of Fermoy town.

The forum operates through a pillar structure facilitated by an overall management and administrative committee. Each pillar comprises of a chairperson and committee members, who meet regularly to further progress projects specifically related to their area. At present, there are four pillar groups being established – Townscape Infrastructure, Tourist and Heritage, Retail and Services and Industry and Large Employers.

Working in conjunction with Fermoy Municipal Authority, the forum’s daily activities include strategic business planning, pro-active sectoral development, feasibility assessment and management of projects, area branding, promotion, marketing and networking, communications, and monitoring/evaluation of projects and activities.

“The Fermoy Forum’s overall vision is to facilitate those within the community to work together through partnership to enrich our town as a place to work, live and do business. We are actively seeking members under all of the pillar group headings and invite those who may be interested in joining to phone the Fermoy Forum office on 025-34632 or email admin@fermoyforum.net.”