VIDEO: Cork group CODAC give old building an amazingly colourful make-over

“Be the change you want to see” is the mantra of the Cork Old-town District Action Committee, a voluntary group of young professionals with a passion for their city.

95 North Main Street is the latest building to get the CODAC treatment. Armed with paints, brushes and a ‘less talk, more action’ attitude, the team have transformed what had become an eyesore since the last retailers closed their doors.

Formed in 291, CODAC have been working hard to improve the appearance of the city with their ‘flying column’ of volunteers already responsible for many wonderful pieces of street art.

They have transformed old phone boxes, long-forgotten-about alleyways and even electrical boxes into beautiful features full of colour and character.

Eoghan Ryan, who is a member from the beginning, says the focus is mainly on the North Main Street area. Though it is “essentially the medieval heart of Cork City”, it has suffered with problems of dereliction and vacancy of its buildings.

“We just try and do projects that celebrate its history and heritage. We also like to bring a bit of humour and colour into things as well and you’ll see that across all the projects that we’ve done to date”, says Eoghan.

Murals of some of the city and county’s most iconic figures have appeared on Kyle Street, while other images associated with Cork are also used, like jazz instrumentsand the Shandon Bells.

Originally, CODAC concentrated on graffiti removal but moved on to bigger projects when businesses began to get involved by providing funds for materials and also offering spaces to be painted.

“Our core vision now is to work with businesses and the community, to bring them together and make them see that these types of projects aren’t that hard,” Eoghan explained.

One of the group’s earlier projects on Liberty Street, an electrical box painted in the colours of the French flag with the word ‘Liberté’ across it, took on extra significance following the recent Paris terrorist attacks.

C'est fini. Liberté on LibertySt #Cork #reclaimthelane #corkcity pic.twitter.com/NFneWj3R3a

— CODAC (@CorkODAC) August 18, 2015

“It was something we did a couple of months ago, really just a play on the word liberty… we’ve seen French people taking photographs next to it so it’s a source of pride and shows the solidarity between the Cork and French people”, Eoghan explained.

And we're done. Great effort by all. Roll on the next project! @QtrBlockParty @CorksRedFM pic.twitter.com/ounLDBbuhF

— CODAC (@CorkODAC) November 26, 2015

CODAC have more projects in the pipeline but are always willing to hear from community member, businesses and other organisations that may have ideas and are looking to collaborate.

Eoghan added, “These are feel good projects that the volunteers get a huge amount out of, but it also benefits tourists and the community. It’s win-win really.”

No more Euros 4 Gold. Collective sigh for North Main St. Phase 2 to follow #corkcity #colourcorridor #lovecork pic.twitter.com/BEbfyNVg54

— CODAC (@CorkODAC) November 25, 2015

They can be contacted on twitter @CorkODAC, or by emailing [e-mail].