Editor’s Letter We welcome you to the second issue of Council Magazine and thank the many people who supported us on our first publication. The feedback we have received is phenomenal and we hope to continue to produce a high quality publication based on relevant and important local and national issues. The importance of local government can often be taken for granted but it’s only when you see a collage of stories on vital and successful initiatives carried out by county councils that you understand the extent of the many significant developments created by our local authorities. Waterford City will welcome back the International Tall Ships Races for a four day Festival and celebration in August this year. I spoke to Waterford County Council on how the visit of the Tall Ships will be the biggest event in Ireland in 2012 and how it will provide a major boost to all city businesses, enhancing Ireland’s position as a major International event destination. The Irish Food and Drink Industry is Ireland’s most important indigenous sector, employing 106,000 people, with a turnover approaching €24billion. A recent “Food and the City” workshop and discussion document on the critical importance of the food sector in Dublin took the opportunity to bring various sub-sectors and agencies together to discuss how opportunities for Dublin could be optimised in terms of economic development. President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to his ancestral home of Moneygall is making headlines around the world. We examine his roots in the Offaly community, his rise to presidency and what this trip can do for Ireland. We also speak to Offaly Council about preparations for the occasion. The Creative Dublin Alliance is a network of diverse leaders that meet to discuss and implement solutions in response to the challenges that Dublin faces as an internationally competitive city region. In a global economy, city-regions compete internationally as attractive places for investment and development. As the economic driver of the national economy, and the core of the city region, becoming more internationally competitive is a key challenge for the city. Council explores the need and successful developments of this Alliance. From around the country, the Heritage Council is encouraging people of all ages and interests to get involved in National Heritage Week taking place from the 20th – 28th August 2011by organising an event in their community. Brian O’Driscoll has been awarded the County’s first Civic Honour, following a formal nomination by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Lettie McCarth. The superb rugby player, whose career has been defined by many outstanding moments, was recently named by Rugby World magazine as the World Player of the Decade, and just became the highest try scorer in the history of the Six Nations tournament. Plus many more interesting stories. We hope you enjoy this issue.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
IN IRELAND 2011
Best wishes Sally Harding O’Neill Editor
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