Council Review 76

DIRECTLY-ELECTED MAYOR FOR DUBLIN DEBATE CONTINUES ON THE MAYOR NECESSITIES ELECTORAL COMMISSION REPORT POINTS TO INACCURATE REGISTERS AGENCIES LEARN LESSONS ON WEATHERING THE STORM LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING ORGANISATIONS TO BE CREATED?

contents 4

NEWS UPDATE

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SEAI ENERGY REPORT

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DIRECTLY ELECTED MAYOR

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ELECTORAL REGISTERS

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HOUSING COMMISSION

ISSUE 76

Ireland’s energy transition could be worth up to €19 billion to the Irish economy per year by 2030, according to a new report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

DIRECTLY-ELECTED MAYOR FOR DUBLIN DEBATE CONTINUES ON THE MAYOR NECESSITIES ELECTORAL COMMISSION REPORT POINTS TO INACCURATE REGISTERS AGENCIES LEARN LESSONS ON WEATHERING THE STORM LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING ORGANISATIONS TO BE CREATED?

The introduction of a directly-elected mayor for Dublin, a recurring topic of debate in politics and policy circles, was discussed at a recent conference, which examined the characteristics of an appropriate model of mayoral governance for Dublin.

Directly Elected Mayor Page 20

The Electoral Commission is ‘deeply concerned’ over the large number of inaccuracies on local authority registers throughout the country and recommends a plan to finally address the issue before the next round of electoral events in 2029.

Local authorities should establish their own housing organisations to create sustained social and affordable delivery, according to Prof Michelle Norris, one of the members of the Housing Commission.

COUNCIL REVIEW 14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: 01-6785165 Email: admin@councilreview.ie Editor Grace Heneghan Managing Director Patrick Aylward Graphic Design Niall McHugh Advertisement Co-ordinator Audrey Fitzgerald Follow the magazine on X(Twitter)@councilreviews Facebook /councilreview

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EMERGENCY PLANNING

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CORK CITY COUNCIL

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TOWN COUNCILS

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DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY

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ROAD SAFETY CONFERENCE

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SOCIAL HOUSING FESTIVAL

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‘MAYO SOCIAL’ INITIATIVE

Many questions were raised about Ireland’s level of future preparedness for extreme weather events, in the aftermath of the worst storm to hit these shores in 80 years. Storm Éowyn left chaos in its wake after 24 January, with thousands stranded without electricity and water supplies many weeks later.

Emergency Planning Page 33

Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive of Cork City Council in October 2024, Valerie O’Sullivan held several different positions with Cork’s city and county councils down through the years, so she certainly has a wealth of experience under her belt.

The re-establishment of town councils, abolished over a decade ago under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is one of a raft of proposals in the new Programme for Government. However, while this broadly supported move may work to bring Ireland in line with its European counterparts, there are certain logistical challenges to consider.

Valerie O'Sullivan, Cork City CE Page 41

DCU’s campus is being used to trial and refine digital twin technology to improve real-time decision-making during emergencies. Part of the Digital Twins for Emergency Management project, the pilot scheme is testing the technology before deployment across the wider Dublin City Council area, and subsequently on a national scale.

Kerry County Council’s national road safety conference (28-29 May) will discuss research, strategies, technologies and policies to reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries, and to share resources and ideas on the best way forward to help improve road safety across Ireland.

Digital Twin Technology Page 59

The 2025 edition of the International Social Housing on 4-6 June at the National Convention Centre will feature the experiences and viewpoints of the cooperative and social housing providers, tenants, policymakers and advocates for inclusive homes and neighbourhood.

JOUR NAL FOR CIT Y AND COUNT Y COUNCILS

The urgent need to focus on housing as a core part of the continuum of support and care for older people was the key message of a housing seminar, organised by Mayo Social – an initiative between Mayo County Council, the HSE, Sage Advocacy and other agencies.

www.councilreview.ie 1

Greenway Programmes Page 71

ISSUE 76

JOUR NAL FOR CIT Y AND COUNT Y COUNCILS

contents 71

GREENWAY PROGRAMMES

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IRELAND’S TIDY TOWNS

Total funding of €67m has been allocated by the Government for Greenways and National Roads Active Travel infrastructure through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to support the delivery of several Greenway projects throughout the country over the coming year.

A new partnership agreement between local authorities and IPB Insurance to remove insurance costs for Tidy Towns groups across Ireland will now enable the groups to focus all of their resources and energy on community activities.

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LOCAL AUTHORITY WATERS PROGRAMME

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LAMA AWARDS 2025

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NORTHERN IRELAND LOCAL GOVT AWARDS

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NATIONAL CENSUS ATLAS

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WOMEN IN POLITICS

LAMA Awards 2025 Page 86

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of local authorities to protect good water quality in Ireland’s river catchments, has awarded €856,260 in funding to 40 community groups in 19 counties under the ‘Catchment Support Fund Open Call 2025’.

LAMA’s All-Ireland Community and Council Awards once again celebrated local authorities and their communities in working together on economic development and infrastructure initiatives, leadership and environmental schemes.

The presentation of the 2025 Local Government Awards to Northern Ireland’s councils marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils and served to highlight the evolving role of councillors in delivering for their communities and the wider region.

National Census Atlas Page 103

Planners, policymakers and local authorities will now be able to get a detailed view of economic and social trends emerging across the country, due to a new visual mapping tool. The National Census Atlas has been developed by the All-Island Research Observatory at Maynooth University in collaboration with the three Regional Assemblies.

Ireland has come under scrutiny for its poor gender balance in government yet again, following the ministerial appointments under the new government. With just three women appointed as Cabinet ministers and six serving as Ministers of State, the country continues to lag behind other European countries in gender representation.

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FIVE-YEAR PLANNING REVIEW

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WIND ENERGY IRELAND

OPR Planning Review Page 117

The Office of the Planning Regulator has published ‘Planning in Numbers’ to provide a strategic review of key planning trends and outputs in Ireland over the last five years, and a comparison of patterns where figures are available for the 20192023 period.

An interactive new website, which provides a breakdown of wind energy generation and associated benefits across the 26 counties, has been launched by Wind Energy Ireland. The platform shows that Kerry was the top wind energy generator during 2023, followed by Cork, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo and Donegal.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information included is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors,omissions or discrepancies.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All rights reserved Council Review © 2025

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COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE

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EU REGIONAL FUNDING

Wind Energy Dashboard Page 123

Independent research by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) has revealed that community enterprise centres and hubs are worth €1.8 billion each year to the Irish economy, thereby highlighting their importance in the development of microbusinesses, SMEs and potential start-ups nationwide.

The second round of funding to revitalise urban centres and bring valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets is being made available through the European Regional Development Fund programmes.

Community Enterprise Page 149

www.councilreview.ie 2

Powering Up Communities Powering Up Ireland At EirGrid, operator of the electricity grid, we’re leading the move to cleaner energy. By 2020, nearly 40% of Ireland’s electricity came from renewable sources. Now we’re working to bring more renewable energy onto the grid, so we can reach 80%, as set out

by Government targets.

With support of communities across the country, we can realise Ireland’s world class potential to deliver a renewable energy future, securing our electricity supply and helping the country to become more energy independent.

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NEWS UPDATE DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION WEEK LINKS UP WITH NATIONAL BIKE WEEK This year’s Dublin Climate Action Week coincides with National Bike Week in May, bringing together climate action and active travel to highlight the strong connection between sustainable transportation and climate solutions.

Regional and local events during Dublin Climate Action Week (12-18 May) will once again showcase the ongoing efforts, and the collaborative approach of Dublin’s four local authorities, in addressing climate action.

It will be organised and delivered by Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency.

Through workshops, interactive activities, demonstrations and festivals participants will be given an opportunity to learn how small everyday changes can contribute to a healthier environment.

For updates visit www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie

Mayor of Fingal County Council, Labour’s Cllr Brian McDonagh; Fine Gael’s Cllr Baby Pereppadan; Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council Cllr Emma Blain, and Cathaoirleach of Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council, Fine Gael’s Cllr Jim O’Leary pictured at the launch of Dublin Climate Action Week 2025.

30 MAY IS D-DAY FOR ENTRIES TO IRISH PLANNING AWARDS 2025 Friday 30 May is D-Day for entries to the Irish Planning Awards 2025, open to members of the professional planning industry for any project undertaken since January 2023 or completed within the last five years, at a local, county, regional and national level.

Further details on the individual award categories can be found on the Irish Planning Institute’s website, within the IPI Events section on www.ipi.ie

The biennial awards scheme was established by the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) to promote excellence in the field of planning, encourage sustainable development, foster positive engagement between communities and projects, support economic development and honour projects that conserve historical buildings or create cultural venues.

According to IPI President Gavin Lawlor, thoughtful, innovative and sustainable planning is crucial for the sustainable development of our communities, regions and country. With this year marking the 50 th anniversary of the IPI, he noted that “by recognising the best work of our profession through these awards, the IPI hopes to inspire another generation of talented planners into our sector that will design and shape our society for the next 50 years”.

Supported by FuturEnergy Ireland, Uisce Éireann and Wave Dynamics Acoustic Consultants, the 2025 Irish Planning Awards will recognise planning excellence across 12 diverse categories, with an overall President’s Award presented to the standout winner across all categories.

A judging panel will shortlist all entries this summer before the awards presentation takes place on 25 September at a black-tie gala dinner and ceremony in Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin.

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NEWS UPDATE IPA’S STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME 2025 FOR PUBLIC SERVICE The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) Strategic Leadership Programme for 2025, designed specifically for the public service, has been launched by Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform & Digitalisation.

The SPS Strategic Leadership Programme has been designed to ensure that good leadership is at the core of public service to address critical skills, encourage innovation and take an integrated approach to infrastructure, housing, climate change, healthcare and immigration. It also builds leadership capabilities to prepare for emerging areas impacting public services, including digital transformation, AI and sustainability.

Led by Dr Cedric Chau, the IPA Director of Senior Public Service (SPS), this year's programme will equip up to 200 leaders at principal officer

level and above, with the necessary strategic leadership knowledge, skills and expertise to navigate the operating environment.

It will also seek to cultivate a strong leadership community within the public service to meet succession planning needs and foster collaborative relationships within and between organisations.

This year the IPA has engaged two delivery partners – Trinity College Dublin and the Roffey Institute. Helen Brophy, IPA Director General, said: “Investing in leadership development is central to providing better public services to the citizens of our country and the role of the IPA is critical to meeting the current and future challenges faced by the public service.

“With its diverse education, learning and development programmes, the IPA works in partnership with the public

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform & Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD (centre) pictured with IPA’s Chair George Burke and Director General Helen Brophy. service to ensure that its over 425,000 staff and employees have access to supports that build an innovative, agile and resilient workforce for the future when, where and how they need it.”

MORE SUPPORTS NEEDED TO DELIVER SOCIAL & AFFORDABLE HOUSING – CHI Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) has emphasised the key role played by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in meeting the social housing needs nationwide, to the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, at the opening of its latest development in Wexford.

Minister for Housing James Browne TD (centre) pictured with CHI’s Neighbourhood Delivery Manager Eimear Lynch and Chairperson Gerry McDonogh at the opening of the new homes in Wexford.

Wexford County Council’s Leas Cathaoirleach joined Minister James Browne at the launch of the development at Forthview, in partnership with Wexford County Council, the Department of Housing, the Housing Finance Agency

and developer, Darragh Ryan. CHI now provides 331 homes to households in Wexford.

Gerry McDonogh, CHI Chairperson, emphasised their strong partnership with the Department of Housing, pointing to the need for increased funding, with a proportion in the form of grants, to increase to keep pace with the current housing delivery targets.

“As it stands, 10,000 new social homes are to be provided this year, half of which will be provided by AHBs. The Programme for Government and future targets should see this increase to an average of 12,000-20,000 year on year to 2030,” he noted.

McDonagh described the Wexford development as “a testament to the strength of co-operative housing and the importance of collaboration in delivering homes that meet the needs of communities, and we want to do more”.

Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said the delivery of the new homes at Forthview was a great example of what can be achieved when local authorities, AHBs, and the government work together.

“Wexford County Council is committed to providing safe, highquality homes for families and individuals, and this development marks a significant step forward in that effort,” he added.

Minister Browne said that the project, enabled by funding from his department’s Capital Advance Leasing Facility, reflected the strong state and voluntary sector collaboration needed to make these projects happen.

“The government is now scaling up and delivering more social and affordable homes than we have in a generation and aims to provide even more. Well located, high-quality homes such as Forthview make a real difference in the lives of families, individuals and communities.”

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NEWS UPDATE DAVY CITES NEED FOR 93,000 NEW HOUSING UNITS DUE TO POPULATION GROWTH Ireland’s housing crisis has arrived at a critical juncture, with 93,000 new units needed each year for housing stock per adult, if the country’s population grows to six million by 2031, according to a new report from stockbroker Davy.

With each passing year and the fundamental problems remaining unresolved, both pent-up demand for housing and the scale of the challenge have grown larger. The situation is unique internationally, owing to a major lack of supply, and the report states that resolving this demands its place at the very top of the new Irish government’s list of priorities.

The report calls for urgent reforms, including overhauling strict rent caps, several measures to reduce housing construction costs, and further streamlining the planning system for critical infrastructure, including housing development.

Assuming these reforms take place, Davy forecasts that output could rise to 75,000 new units in 2031, driven by higher social housing and institutional investment.

In the absence of necessary reforms, however, a lower output level well below the overall need is likely.

At just 30,000 completions, housing output in Ireland was disappointing in 2024. This added to an already

sizeable pent-up demand for circa 230,000 homes, or more than 10% of the housing stock. Davy assesses that the extent of housing need has been systematically underestimated due to an unexpectedly strong economic and population backdrop. Capital financing requirements are substantial and could top €40bn by 2031.

To read the full review, visit https://publications.aecom.com/ ireland-annual-review/

FOUR-YEAR FUNDING GRANTED FOR ‘GAEILGE 365’ IN THE CAPITAL Funding of over €4.5m has been granted for a four-year initiative – Gaeilge365 – in conjunction with Dublin’s four local authorities, as part of the development of an ambitious Irish language plan for the capital.

Dublin City Council’s Cllr Deirdre Heney, Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare, Minister Dara Calleary TD, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) Chief Executive Colm Ward, Gaeilge365 Programme Manager Daithí de Buitléir, SDCC Director of Corporate Performance and Change Management Lorna Maxwell, and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s Director of Corporate Affairs Stephen Brady, at the announcement of funding for ‘Gaeilge365’.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced funding of €4,549,261 over four years (2025-2028) for ‘Gaeilge365’ to create best practices through Dublin’s local authority services to create enhanced opportunities for the public to speak Irish.

Minister Calleary made the announcement during Seachtain na Gaeilge, at an event showcasing the innovative ideas of staff from Dublin’s four local authorities with a focus on creating more opportunities to speak Irish.

The funding will result in a significant expansion of Gaeilge365 – encompassing the entire Dublin region with support from South Dublin, Fingal, and Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Councils following its pilot in Dublin City.

Half of the funding for Gaeilge365 is to come from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with the remaining 50% from Dublin’s four local authorities.

Minister Calleary said that his department is in a position to support this initiative resulting in the creation of numerous socialisation opportunities through Irish in the Dublin region.

“Gaeilge365 aligns strongly with the fundamental aim of the Government's 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language – bringing about a strong increase in the number of people who actively use Irish in their daily lives,” the Minister noted. For further information visit www.gaeilge365.ie

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NEWS UPDATE ESB COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES ON SHARED EV E-HUBS ESB has launched a new project, which has seen the rollout of EV-only eHubs in Malahide, Sandyford Business Park, Swords and Galway.

This purpose built eHubs each include an ESB charge station and two shared EVs available to book at the sites.

ESB’s innovation team has collaborated with Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to develop transportation options ensuring that electric vehicles are accessible to a broad range of people, while contributing to more sustainable and connected communities.

EVs at each site will be provided by car share operators GoCar and Yuko and will be integrated into the suppliers’ existing car share booking apps, making it easier for users. The eHubs pilot project aims to make shared EVs affordable and accessible, leading the way for greener, more sustainable communities.

Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation at ESB Group, said: “Adopting cleaner technologies and sustainable practices, can greatly reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint and make a substantial impact on our journey towards a net zero future.

Cllr Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said that the launch of the new electric car share scheme in Sandyford Business District, in partnership with ESB, Go Car, and Yuko, directly supports DLR’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.

Cllr Brian McDonagh, Mayor of Fingal, said: “This initiative not only supports sustainable energy solutions but also strengthens the connections within our community, paving the

The remaining eHub sites in Dublin, Waterford and Donegal are scheduled to become fully operational by the summer. For more information visit: https://esb.ie/ehubs way for a more environmentally conscious future for generations to come.”

ESB has also launched a new pilot project – eHubs – which involves the installation of seven charge stations for shared electric cars, ebikes and ecargo bikes. The aim is to assess if the provision of sustainable shared transport options helps enable the reduction of private car use, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.

MONAGHAN CONFERENCE SHOWCASES INNOVATION IN REGENERATION EU co-funded projects including the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) and various regeneration programmes were highlighted at a conference hosted by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) and Monaghan County Council at the PEACE Campus in Monaghan Town.

The two-day conference at the end of March provided regeneration practitioners and guest speakers from Ireland and Europe a forum to evaluate the latest innovative regeneration projects across the island of Ireland.

Topics included urban regeneration and the policy background supporting regeneration, vacancy rates and the importance of agglomeration economies for regional development.

The concept of ‘Building Stories’ was explored to understand urban resilience, and the role of heritage and greenspace in sustainable regeneration. Case studies included the Armagh City Townscape Heritage project, which aims to restore historic properties and create new spaces for businesses and residents, while the Castleblayney Gate Lodge project looked at the restoration of the derelict building to provide a modern public library, community, and cultural space.

A series of presentations and discussions focused on biodiversity considerations in regeneration projects, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and urban design and landscape architecture. These included the THRIVE scheme and various regeneration programmes, EU funding streams and their impact.

Colleagues from the Valletta Design Cluster in Malta shared a practice case study from Europe, demonstrating how European co-funding and the New European Bauhaus brought a former slaughterhouse back to life and created a vibrant, beautiful and sustainable, shared community space on that island.

Paddy Austin, NWRA’s Assistant Director of the European Regional Development Fund.

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Green Public Procurement

LOWDOWN ON CO2 PERFORMANCE LADDER FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES The Irish Green Building Council is piloting the CO2 Performance Ladder, a Dutch initiative managed by the Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business to empower Ireland’s local authorities in cutting their carbon emissions through purchasing decisions.

T

he Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) is running the twoyear pilot programme in collaboration with the Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO) in the Netherlands to bring this tool to Ireland.

The new CO2 Performance Ladder offers a user-friendly and affordable framework to make implementing a green public procurement strategy significantly more straightforward. SKAO is the owner and manager of the tool and oversees its use, development, certification and industry expansion.

In a year marked by record-breaking temperatures, with the construction and the built environment matching agriculture’s 37% share of Ireland’s national emissions[1], urgent action to decarbonise this sector is no longer optional, according to the IGBC. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024 has stressed that the public sector must lead by example on climate action. While each local authority must reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its assets and infrastructure, they must also take on the broader role of reducing emissions throughout their jurisdictional area through collaboration.

In Ireland, public bodies spend an estimated €18.5 billion a year on goods, services and works. This provides the public sector with significant influence to stimulate and actively encourage the provision of more resource-efficient, low-carbon, less polluting goods, services and works in the marketplace.

In April 2024, the government launched ‘Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027’ signalling a strong commitment to embedding green and circular procurement practices.

Embedding Green Public Procurement (GPP) into each local authority’s practice can be challenging and time-consuming, and the IGBC notes that the CO2 Performance Ladder offers “a user-friendly and affordable framework that makes implementing GPP significantly more straightforward”.

IMPLEMENTATION LEVELS OF LADDER As a tendering instrument, the CO2 Performance Ladder consists of five implementation levels for CO2 management in projects, encouraging contractors to reduce carbon emissions within the project.

The system creates a win-win scenario for both public bodies and businesses by integrating sustainability directly into the tendering process: • Organisations certified on the ladder receive a tangible award advantage during tendering (up to 10% discount on tendering costs).

• Higher certification levels translate to greater advantages.

• Commissioning parties determine the specific award advantages at each level.

• Organisations are not required to be certified during the tendering process. However, they bid with the commitment to achieve certification within a specified timeframe.

BEST PRACTICE IN GREEN PROCUREMENT The ladder, which has been employed in the Netherlands since 2009, is now recognised as best practice in green procurement by several bodies like the OECD, the World Economic Forum and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Over 300 contracting authorities in Europe, including local authorities, ministries, and other semi-public bodies, are already using it in their tendering processes. The IGBC is now piloting the tool to offer local authorities, agencies and organisations in Ireland a new instrument to address climate change through their purchasing decisions.

For example, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has already integrated the ladder as a GPP tool into the tender document for the M7 Kildare bypass pavement project, leading to a significant reduction in TII’s project emissions.

For further information visit www.co2performanceladder.com

[1] Irish Green Building Council – Building a Zero Carbon Roadmap (2022)

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SEAI Energy Report

ENERGY REPORT PINPOINTS Significant Opportunities For Irish Businesses Ireland’s energy transition could be worth up to €19 billion to the Irish economy per year by 2030, according to the findings of a new report carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which was launched at this year’s SEAI Energy Show.

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he report ‘Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Technologies: Supply Chain Opportunities’, identifies significant economic opportunities presented by the sustainable energy transition, and outlines six key recommendations on supporting Irish businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.

More than 3,000 industry professionals and policymakers attended the 2025 SEAI Energy Show (26-27 March) at Dublin’s RDS. First established in 1996, this year marks 30 years of the event, which brings together sustainable energy supply chain professionals, with a focus on energy services, products and technologies for business, industry and residential sectors.

The report has highlighted that the projected capital investment needed to enable this transition will provide significant scope for Irish suppliers to benefit from opportunities, particularly in the areas of construction, engineering and financial services, and via service and equipment delivery by local enterprises.

SIX KEY RECOMMENDATIONS The report highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in meeting Ireland’s energy transition goals, and sets out six key recommendations: * Develop skills and certifications: Establish targeted training programs and accreditation frameworks to develop the necessary skills and certifications for installers and energy experts. * Leverage R&D capabilities: Utilise Ireland's strong R&D capabilities to advance emerging renewable technologies. * Promote sustainable practices: Encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices such as green procurement and comply with EU directives and legislation for sustainable and responsible business. * Focus on high-value markets: Effectively harness the opportunities available by prioritising high-value markets such as energy efficient construction, sustainable biomass heating, electric vehicles, and smart grids. * Capture the preliminary phase of the supply chain for key technologies: Focus on capturing the market for planning, permitting and design of technologies such as onshore wind farms, utility solar PV, microgeneration units, smart grids, sustainable biomass heating, industrial heat pumps and AD. This includes feasibility studies, project planning, financial, legal, environmental, commercial and technical services and advisory roles.

SEAI’s Margie McCarthy, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien TD, and SEAI’s CEO William Walsh, pictured at the launch of the report on 26 March in the RDS. (Pic: Naoise Culhane) * Installation and commissioning markets: Focus on capturing the market for the installation and commissioning of technologies such as district heating systems, EV charging infrastructure and AD. This could create substantial opportunities for electrical, mechanical and civil engineers, engineering firms and qualified electricians.

These recommendations would create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem in Ireland, enabling Irish businesses to fulfil the opportunity presented by Ireland’s energy transition.

Launching the report, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien said it highlights that this energy transition will create significant opportunities for Irish businesses in the supply chain where Ireland is well positioned to capitalise.”

William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said that Ireland could reap the economic benefits of a fossil fuel free economy and society. “This report identifies the growth potential of 13 key technologies for the sustainable energy transition, and the supply chain areas where Irish businesses have potential opportunities to benefit from this growth.

“It shows that there are potential opportunities for many of the businesses, like those exhibiting at the SEAI Energy Show, and hundreds more besides, to benefit from Ireland’s energy transition."

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irebird’s new Enviroair Heat Pump, proudly designed in Ireland, is crafted to set new benchmarks in energy efficiency and operational performance, specifically tailored for the public sector infrastructure projects and ideal for the Irish and UK climates.

Firebird is highly aware of the unique challenges encountered by local authorities in upgrading and maintaining heating systems that need to be both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

The Firebird Enviroair Heat Pump, available in models ranging from 4kW to 16kW, addresses these challenges headon, boasting a significant lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), our system underscores our dedication to minimising environmental impact while delivering superior heating solutions. By adopting the Enviroair system, councils can anticipate substantial CO2 savings, thus bolstering their efforts towards meeting Ireland's carbon reduction targets.

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As experts in the industry McCloy Consulting’s range of training courses cover key aspects of SuDS design and evaluation, alongside crucial insights into RMPs, flood risk assessment and SFRAs. These training programmes serve to support local authorities in understanding their roles and responsibilities under evolving policies. Delivered by industry experts, the sessions ensure that local authority officers and planning teams are well-equipped to make informed decisions that align with regulatory and local policy requirements and best practice guidelines.

DRIVING RESILIENT, SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES McCloy Consulting is at the forefront of providing expert flood modelling and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design support to local authorities across Ireland.

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Directly Elected Mayor

MORAN OUTLINES THE MAYOR NECESSITIES For Dublin To Consider

John Moran’s life was transformed in June 2024 when he became the first directly elected mayor to take office, not just in Limerick, but in Ireland. Giving the keynote speech at a recent conference on mayoral governance in Dublin, he outlined ongoing changes in Limerick since the election and its impact on the future of local government in this country.

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fforts to directly elect a mayor for Dublin have failed to be implemented to date, despite widespread endorsement from the recent Citizens’ Assembly, the Oireachtas, communities and citizens in Dublin and many political parties.

The issue was back on the agenda at a recent DCU conference entitled ‘Mayoral Governance in Dublin – Democracy, Devolution and Impact’, organised by DCU’s School of Law and Government at the end of April.

In delivering the keynote speech, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said the theme of the conference resonated deeply with the transformative changes unfolding in local governments across the world, and “none more so than in my home county of Limerick”.

Moran pointed to a strong sense in Limerick that over centralised government was not serving regional locations well. “In the run-up years to the DEM election, there was a strong belief on the ground that despite huge success in job creation and private enterprise, public sector delivery lagged behind in Limerick for critical infrastructure like healthcare and public transport. And even local government was not delivering well on the many plans it had published like regeneration and Limerick 2030, especially after the collapse of Dell.”

He said that he felt that frustration

strongly himself, following his move back to Limerick. “Leaving Dublin and the Department of Finance behind had opened my eyes to how local government was not working in Ireland.

So, the mood music was perfect for Limerick to become the test bed for local government reform.”

DELIVERING VALUE FOR MONEY As a public servant and Ireland’s first directly elected mayor, John Moran believes in taking a proactive approach that focuses on action, delivery and measurable outcomes. The mayor is now responsible for proposing the annual budget, which, in 2025, amounted to €1.68 billion of capital and current spending.

That process is very similar to the national level where officials in the Department of Finance propose options to the Minister for Finance who ultimately chooses which budget to present to the Oireachtas for approval.

“Like at national level that budget is approved by the full council in Limerick.

As part of this process, we developed a five-year forward look at capital spending rather than the statutory three-year timeframe which prevailed up to now.”

Furthermore the Mayor of Limerick has been provided with a supplementary €10m annual discretionary fund. “In allocating the 2025 discretionary budget, I had two guiding principles. On one side, I 20

have tried to drive on priorities from ‘More for Limerick’ programme which are ready for 2025. However, I have also tried to allocate funding to ideas which I consider to be transformative pilots.”

The idea, he said, is to help show why the solution Limerick needs may need to be a more innovative approach and may not be suited to a ‘one-size-fits-all’ nationally applicable policy. “The aim is that these pilot projects can potentially unlock tens of millions of euro in funding for Limerick throughout the remaining years of my current mayoral term and beyond,” he noted.

STREAMLINED DECISION-MAKING The consolidation of executive functions under the mayor also needs to lead to more efficient and cohesive decisionmaking processes – not just in Limerick, but in other areas should this role be implemented there.

“From infrastructure development to social services, every decision we make has a profound impact on the lives of our citizens. It is a citizen-based approach that is required to every decision we make. If our processes are more accountable, better value for money and more transparent, this approach will naturally follow on from that.”

He said it is always imperative that decisions are based on accurate data, sound research, and a deep

Directly Elected Mayor

understanding of the needs of the community. “In many corners of Ireland, there are sections of local government that make decisions and move at a rate that is out of step with the needs of modern communities, both rural and urban. Reform isn’t about more bureaucracy; it’s about making decisions that are better, quicker and closer to the coalface of the people they impact every day.”

He claimed that local authorities should be empowered to make such decisions without waiting on central government to approve each move they make, and additionally, this would allow central government to function more effectively.

“However, with that power is a need for better training, more transparent governance and a culture that has action and delivery at its forefront. Stronger local government across the country can both act a catalyst for balanced regional development and benefit central government in Dublin. However, only if we’re willing to let it. Decision-making shouldn’t be a maze – if reform is done correctly, it can become a straight road to better outcomes.”

THE UPS AND DOWNS The Mayor of Limerick said that the transformation has not been without its ups and downs, adding that the integration of the new mayoral office

into the existing governance structures continues to require careful negotiation and adaptation.

“Balancing the powers of the mayor with those of the elected council and the Director General has necessitated ongoing dialogue and adjustment. As we look to the future, the question arises: Could other cities and especially Dublin benefit from a directly elected mayor? The answer, I believe, is a resounding YES. “As Ireland’s capital and economic powerhouse, Dublin faces complex challenges that require decisive and co-ordinated leadership. Issues such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, public safety, and urban regeneration demand a level of governance that is agile and accountable.”

Despite the potential advantages, the path to establishing a directly elected mayor in Dublin will not be a straightforward one, he claimed.

Concerns have been raised about the concentration of power and the potential for populist figures to exploit the position for personal gain.

“These are valid considerations that must be addressed through careful design and robust safeguards. However, democracy ultimately has to take its course and be at its forefront. I believe fundamentally that we can trust voters in Ireland and if, as we should, we make

Setting the Context – Art O’Leary, CEO of the Electoral Commission, and Dr Diarmuid Scully, Lecturer in Irish Politics and European Studies at the University of Limerick, took part in the first panel discussion of the conference, to discuss the feedback from the Citizens’ Assembly and lessons from the election in Limerick.

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John Moran, Mayor of Limerick, highlighted lessons to be learned by Dublin during his keynote address to the Martin McEvoy Conference 2025 at DCU’s All Hallows Campus on 29 April. the job a real one with real powers, then really good candidates will emerge.”

SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES Dublin should no longer remain the only capital city in the EU without a democratically elected leader of the local executive. While the challenges are significant, the experience of Limerick offers valuable lessons for Dublin.

The establishment of a DEM in Limerick was the result of a democratic process that involved the electorate in decision-making. This participatory approach ensured that the changes reflected the will of the people. The developments in Limerick and the potential for similar reforms in Dublin reflect a broader international shift towards strengthening local democracy and Ireland should be no exception.

Looking back over the first 11 months of office, John Moran said the journey towards a more democratic, devolved, and impactful system of governance through a DEM is both challenging and rewarding.

“The experience of Limerick demonstrates that with courage, collaboration, and a commitment to the public good, meaningful change is achievable.”

For further reports on the conference visit www.councilreview.ie

Electoral Registers

COMMISSION REPORTS HUGE INACCURACIES On Local Authority Electoral Registers

The Electoral Commission is ‘deeply concerned’ over the huge number of inaccuracies on the electoral registers, managed and maintained by the 31 local authorities, and it has recommended a plan of action before the next round of electoral events in 2029.

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he first oversight report by the Electoral Commission on electoral registers has highlighted the need for accuracy audits, greater priority and resources.

The Commission recommends a plan for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the 31 local authorities to address the huge number of inaccurate entries on the registers.

There are an undefined, but potentially significant, number of duplicate or redundant entries on the 31 electoral registers that are managed and maintained by the local authorities. This issue goes back decades with people registered more than once in one or more local authority areas, people who have emigrated and people who have passed away remaining on the registers.

The report found that 11 local authorities in particular have more people on their local election register than the entire population of those areas eligible to be on the register, with Sligo, Donegal, Galway County, Cork County, Carlow, Cavan and Mayo having the lowest ‘below average accuracy’ indicators in the country.

Art O’Leary Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, stated: “The accuracy and completeness of the electoral registers, as well as how they are managed and maintained, are fundamental to Ireland’s democratic process.”

O’Leary noted that the issue of accuracy needs resources and increased prioritisation by local authorities in the long term.

“This will ensure that the management of the electoral registers is improved. Ireland’s voters deserve the strongest and most accurate electoral registers they can have.”

SIGNIFICANT DISPARITIES IN DATA The Commission’s overview has assessed the current status of the accuracy and completeness of the electoral registers, and how they are managed and maintained by the local authorities.

The report has revealed widely varying levels of priority and resources given to the electoral registers across all local authorities, and even between those of similar sizes. While some have made significant efforts to improve their electoral registers, this is not the case for the majority.

The overview is informed by data provided by the local authorities and shows significant disparities between them. It sets out the position at a national level and includes key data for each electoral register, assessing each local authority in terms of accuracy, completeness, resourcing and activities carried out to improve the register. The report makes recommendations for each local authority.

The Commission recognises the enormous amount of work

For further information visit www.electoralcommission.ie. carried out by local authority franchise staff in implementing the provisions of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. This provided for online registration across the country; a rolling register; and a new national Local Government Electoral Register System, which is due to come into effect in 2026.

The report individually assesses each of the 31 electoral registers based on the resources dedicated to the franchise function, the activities undertaken to improve the registers and by using ‘accuracy indicators’ – PPSNs, dates of birth and Eircodes.

There are widespread disparities between local authorities.

The accuracy indicators identified by the Electoral Commission are used by local authorities to verify a person’s identity and to identify duplicate and redundant entries, the removal of which improves the accuracy of registers.

Significant modernisation of the electoral registration system and processes was introduced under the Electoral Reform Act, 2022, changing how and when people can register, and changing the nature of the work of local authority franchise staff.

However, there does not appear to have been any review undertaken of the resourcing needed to properly meet these changing requirements.

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Housing Commission

COMMMISION RECOMMENDS THE BLOCKS TO Build Up Housing Delivery Across Ireland Local authorities should establish their own housing organisations to create sustained social and affordable delivery, according to Prof Michelle Norris, one of the members of the Housing Commission.

She tells Garrett Mullan that the new Strategic Housing Activation Office to be set up by the government could unlock a lot of development.

The Housing Commission identifies the shortfall in housing delivery as a serious issue and believes that there will be a deficit of up to 200,000 homes over the next five years.

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he Housing Commission has identified the shortfall in housing delivery as a serious issue and believes that there will be a deficit of up to 200,000 homes over the next five years.

With an increase in the population in this country and greater household formation, a huge increase in demand for housing means there is an urgent need to increase supply.

The Commission was set up in 2022 by then Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to report on standards, tenure and quality of life issues having an impact on the provision of housing and ways to improve this delivery.

However, due to the complexities of the challenges arising from the objectives set out by the Minister, its tenure stretched to two years, giving it additional time to report back, and it delivered 83 cross-ranging recommendations to the Government last year.

Prof Michelle Norris, Director at the Geary Institute of Public Policy at UCD, who was one of the 12 members of the Commission, said that additional input was submitted by over 80 experts from different divisions involved in the housing sector.

One of Commission’s significant recommendations was a reform of the management structure in local government to strengthen housing delivery, management and maintenance capacity, by establishing separate arrangements to govern and deliver housing services. This could be achieved by establishing Local Authority Housing Organisations (LAHOs) on a local authority or regional basis.

DEFICIT IN DELIVERY Following his appointment as the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 23 January 2025, James Browne TD met with members of the Housing Commission.

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Housing Commission

Prof Norris remains hopeful that their recommendations are implemented, one of which is to establish in legislation a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive as a decision-making body responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of housing.

Minister Browne stated after a Cabinet meeting earlier this year that his department will establish a new Strategic Housing Activation Office to focus on overseeing the delivery of housing.

Currently there are significant delays on large developments because of these issues, and the Minister hopes the new office will deliver joined-up thinking, to ensure that utilities such as water and sewerage are delivered to facilitate increased housing output.

According to Prof Norris, this is “a vital reform” and she believes this office will be very positive when implemented, because “the system currently is very complex and there is no one in power to ensure utilities are in place to meet the delivery of housing.”

LOCAL HOUSING ORGANISATIONS In relation to the recommendation by the Commission to create Local Authority Housing Organisations. She believes that Ireland is currently far too centralised. “Specifications for funding are too tight and outlined centrally. What suits Dublin does not suit Dingle. It would be far better to channel funding through local authorities.

“All money comes from the centre and for local authorities to respond to the needs at a local community level. Also, local authority rents do not go into housing specifically, but to the general income of the council.”

She maintains that local authorities do not need to deliver directly. “They can establish specialist organisations. The Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) do not have the capacity to

deliver at scale. There are not enough larger AHBs capable of delivering at scale, hence we feel the model should be reformed so that each local authority will have its own housing specialist organisation.

Prof Michelle Norris is Director of the Geary Institute of Public Policy at UCD. After initially working in the Housing Department of Cork City Council, she went into academia and developed her research on housing.

In addition to the Housing Commission, she has been a board member of the Land Development Agency, Chair of the Housing Finance Agency and has contributed to housing policy development at national and international levels.

A review of the current legislation and regulations relating to Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) is one of Commission's proposals.

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Housing Commission

“Creating Local Authority Housing Organisations within the councils would allow for local housing planning management where expertise can be developed. There is a lot of support for this proposal in local authorities…and a feeling that this reform would address quite a few issues, to be delivered at a pilot level, with a view to national roll-out.”

SUSTAINABLE DELIVERY Prof Norris also believes the rented system in social housing should be reformed to allow for delivery to occur on a sustainable basis and believes rather than tinkering with differentials, that cost recovery should form the basis of housing finance management.

“The system we have now is vulnerable to the booms and busts of the economic cycle. While the Exchequer is currently in budget surplus and there is a will to invest in social housing, history shows capital spending on the part of the state is easy to cut and housing was drastically cut during the financial crisis, which started in 2008.

“It is important for policy to be devised to facilitate sustainable funding, to carry on through the boom and busts of the economic cycle. It is welcome that the cost rental model of housing has been introduced, as this involves financing for housing that will be paid off at the end of a loan period. The differential rental schemes applied for social housing do not represent sustainable income, as the costs of housing and maintenance far exceed the rent.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS • Reform the current management structure in local government to strengthen housing delivery, management and maintenance capacity, by establishing separate arrangements for governing and delivering housing services. This could be achieved by establishing Local Authority Housing Organisations on a local authority or regional basis.

• Ensure that housing policy makes adequate provision for a range of housing and accommodation types to meet the specific needs of identifiable groups.

• Establish a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive in legislation as a decision-making body responsible for coordinating the delivery of housing.

COST RENTAL SOCIAL HOUSING Prof Norris believes cost rental housing can be delivered as social housing. “People on low incomes would still have their rent supplemented through other subsidies such as HAP or rent supplement, in social housing, while others would pay affordable rent based on the cost of providing housing.

“This reform would allow for long term sustainable housing delivery planning on the part of those involved in social housing delivering in local authorities and approved housing bodies.

Legislation should be introduced that sets out the purpose, function and ethos of social housing, which would protect the ethos of sector and would develop consistency in its administration.”

Prof Norris says that while the AHBs may worry about their debt levels, she adds that they are state guaranteed. “This is not such a risk, but a big risk is the level of dependence on the state and its balance sheet. Historically the sector is well funded when the economy is doing well and cut drastically when economy is in difficulty.

“Revenue for delivery of social housing needs to be sustainable and this can be achieved through its rental model. Property taxes should also be used for developing housing. The cost rental model allows for servicing of debt and this growth can attract other sources of finance such as bank finance.”

INCREASED DELIVERY CAPACITY Policy needs to be developed to increase housing delivery capacity, and she believes there are few large-scale developers, pointing out that increasing the number of capable companies is vital.

“More Approved Housing Bodies need to be put in place; so, combined with the creation of Local Authority Housing

• Ensure that diverse sources of finance, including stable public financing and a predominant international element, are available to increase housing output in the medium term. Long term financing requirements and sources should be regularly assessed and updated.

• The State should explore the option of setting up a specific private savings fund that can be used to assist in the funding of housing.

• Deliver cost-rental housing at scale and transition to cost-rental as the main form of supply for both affordable and social rented accommodation.

• Regulate market rents fairly and effectively by reforming the current system of rent regulation and establishing a system of ‘Reference Rents’.

• Increase the size of social and cost-rental housing sectors to 20% of the national housing stock.

• Legally underpin the reforms with a new Social Housing Act that would specify and protect the social purpose of the social housing sector over the long term and ensure that the sector is not privatised.

For further information visit www.gov.ie/en/publication/ f3551-report-of-the-housing-commission/

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Housing Commission

Organisations and in collaboration with private developers, all this delivered, because there are loads of benefits for such three could drive delivery. development.”

“Policy changes to encourage modular builds, back garden Prof Norris adds: ‘Living over the shop, modular building or accommodations, living above the shop schemes, brownfield back garden living are not game changers in and of themselves, developments and elsewhere can make a difference, but there but they are levers that need to be pulled to ensure delivery are particular considerations in relation to each of these areas.” meets the need. All levers need to be pulled.”

Prof Norris also claims that while modular buildings may have potential, it’s still a small market in Ireland. “The state may need to play a central role to develop this potential. As regards log cabin accommodation in the back Servicing the port of Cork, Cork Office • Transportation garden, we need Waterford and Dublin Port Maryfield Ballinlough • Tank Cleaning to be conscious Road Cork, T12 EC 63 +353 21 4916500 that it does not • Storage Seveso storage info@murphytransport.ie become slum facility for full ADR • Heating rental housing, tanks/containers while over-the• Tank Testing shop units are Now providing bonded Little Island Depot • Repair more challenging. storage in our Little Island Anchor Business Park However, the • Cross Docking depot Courtstown funding does not Little Island • ISO Tank Hire Co. Cork appear to be there, Specialist services available T45 Y202 while planning and • Trailer Hire on request regulations are barriers to stopping development of over-the-shop living.

“Derelict home grants are only available for buildings where the building has previously been used for housing or has planning permission for housing, which is quite a shortsighted policy.

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Emergency Planning

PUTTING PLANS IN PLACE TO Weather Future Storms

Local authorities played a vital role in the Government’s response to Storm Éowyn earlier this year, which left chaos in its wake with thousands stranded without electricity and water supplies many weeks later.

In the aftermath of the worst storm to hit these shores in recent decades, questions were raised about the level of Ireland's future preparedness for extreme weather events. Report by Christine Maguire.

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n 24 January 2025, Ireland was hit with one of the harshest storms in 80 years. With recordbreaking gusts of up to 184kph, Storm Éowyn caused an estimated €200m in damage, and with red weather warnings issued for 32 counties, the powerful and unprecendented extratropical cyclone wreaked havoc across the country.

Storm Éowyn forced the closure of schools, preschools, universities and many businesses, disrupting transport and causing widespread power outages, which left over one million without electricity across the island and over 200,000 without water.

It also claimed the lives of two people in Ireland; a man tragically lost his life in Donegal, when a tree fell on his car, while another died when his medical devices failed.

In the aftermath of the storm, the Government’s response faced severe criticism, particularly regarding the length of time it took for the likes of the ESB and Úisce Éireann to restore power and water, particularly in certain parts of the country.

Around 39,000 people were still without electricity 10 days after the storm, while others were left waiting three weeks or more for ESB crews to fix the issue. Roscommon, Mayo, North Galway and South Leitrim were the areas that suffered the longest power outages, while Galway was worst hit by a lack of water supplies.

ANATOMY OF A RESPONSE The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead government department for storms and severe weather. Its crisis management cell, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), chaired

Storm Éowyn was the worst storm experienced by ESB Networks in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage across the network, resulting in 768,000 customers losing supply on 24 January – the day it made landfall. the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) for Storm Éowyn.

The NECG was tasked with co-ordinating and concentrating all efforts to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

“This was done in a virtual capacity, which allowed all departments and agencies plus the local authorities to share crisis information,” Kealan McMoreland, Head of the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP), told ‘Council Review’.

The NECG met two days before the storm made landfall and was briefed by Met Éireann on its severity and the hydrometeorological situation, which included looking at river, fluvial, surface water and coastal flooding.

“Local authorities activated severe weather assessment teams in advance of 33

Storm Éowyn,” Keith Leonard, National Director of the NDFEM, told ‘Council Review’. “ They then mobilised outdoor crews to undertake clearing up operations, and co-ordinated assistance from the Defence Forces, Coillte, Civil Defence, National Parks & Wildlife to assist ESB Networks with power restoration efforts.”

The Local Government Management Agency provided two points of contact to the national structure – Meath County Council’s Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe for emergency management, and Carlow County Council’s Chief Executive Coilin O'Reilly for the humanitarian side.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUBS Their co-ordination of resources was “phenomenal,” according to McMoreland, “particularly with the

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Emergency Planning

A fallen 100-year-old copper beech tree at Wilton Shopping Centre in Cork, in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn on 26 January 2025.

establishment of the humanitarian support hubs at local government level. Local clubs and groups put their shoulders to the wheel in communities that were massively affected by power outages to establish community hubs off their own bat, which eventually government and the local authorities could come in and support”.

Hundreds of emergency response hubs were put in place across the country, with the NECG supporting local authorities in these relief efforts, while local co-ordination groups were also put place across countless counties, to direct resources where they were most needed.

For example, groups were in place across local authority areas in Cavan, Clare, Cork County, Donegal, Galway County, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick City and County, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.

“A total 380 emergency response hubs provided basic needs such as water, hot food, phone charging, broadband access, shower facilities, etc,” Leonard explained.

They also served as study spaces for students with upcoming exams.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme was rolled out for those without power or water supply. It provided non-means tested support payments for essential food, personal items, and alternative accommodation to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn.

Kieran Kehoe

EUROPEAN ASSISTANCE Ireland received several large-capacity generators under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, from Poland and Denmark, deployed to support Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring water, phone and broadband services to homes and businesses.

Skilled electrical technicians from ESB’s counterparts in Austria, Finland and Great Britain were drafted into the worst impacted areas. Further support also arrived from France and the Netherlands.

They supported ESB Networks crews and partner contractors, bolstered by colleagues from the south and east of the country, as well as skilled retirees.

Coilin O’Reilly

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The Local Government Management Agency provided two national points of contact – Meath County Council’s Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe for emergency management, and Carlow County Council’s Chief Executive Coilin O'Reilly for the humanitarian side.

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Emergency Planning

GOVERNMENT UNDER FIRE The Government has been accused of not intervening quickly enough, and of lacking an effective co-ordinated emergency plan to deal with the aftermath of the storm. It came under fire for the delay in restoring power and failing to support businesses and community groups at an Oireachtas debate in February.

Meanwhile, those left without power have voiced frustration at a lack of communication and the bureaucracy involved in seeking support. There have been calls to improve the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme following reports of people not receiving money, and to expand it to include businesses and community groups.

“I would like to counter that and say that I had witnessed the engagement between the EU and Ireland, to say that this storm was coming and that we were informing them on how we were being prepared,” McMoreland noted.

He said that the National Directorate “had a lot of advanced discussions and knew what the critical events were going to be. And as soon as the damage assessment was done, and we understood the needs, those needs were communicated, and then we got the [EU] generators released”.

Both ESB Networks and Úisce Éireann have been criticised for a lack of forward planning, which in Uisce Eireann’s case left key infrastructure without back-up generation capacity.

Hundreds of emergency response hubs were put in place across the country, with the NECG supporting local authorities in these relief efforts.

Keelan McMoreland, Head of the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP), pictured during the technical briefing on emergency planning, which was held at the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre, Agriculture House, Kildare St on 8 April.

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Emergency Planning

ESB was targeted for failing to improve its response to power outages as it has been directed to do so by the energy regulator since 2021. It was also called out for its refusal to make appropriate use of its €898m profit in 2023 and €706m in 2024.

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LESSONS TO BE LEARNED “As is the case following all severe weather events, and in line with Section 6.15 of the Governmentapproved Strategic Emergency Management Framework, the Department is conducting a detailed review of the response to Storm Éowyn.

“The aim is to identify the key lessons and how learning can be carried forward into future responses,” Leonard said.

This review will be submitted to the Government, once it’s approved by the task force on emergency planning.

McMoreland pointed out that it would be “premature” to talk about lessons learned before the after-action review report is completed. “It's timely now after, after a period of almost poly crisis where the systems are activating and standing up and standing down very frequently, that we review the

[Emergency Management National Structures and Framework] based on lessons identified.”

He noted that the OEP has an upcoming societal resilience campaign to inform the public on how households can be more self-sufficient in crises.

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Cork City Council

VALERIE O’SULLIVAN’S CHIEF PLANS IN PLACE FOR CORK CITY

Valerie O’Sullivan has held several different positions with the city and county councils in Cork down through the years before her appointment as Chief Executive of Cork City Council in October 2024, so she certainly has a wealth of experience under her belt. She talks to ‘Council Review’ about lessons learned in the past and future developments in the pipeline.

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orn and raised on the northside of Cork City, Valerie O’Sullivan says her appointment as Chief Executive is a bit like coming home. Having previously worked in Cork City Council, she notes that “it’s very different when you’re in charge”.

Valerie worked for four and a half years with Cork County Council as Divisional Manager for South Cork, and Acting Chief Executive for a nine-month period. She also served as Director of Services in Cork City Council across a multitude of directorates and functions including housing, operations, environment, corporate affairs, recreation, and emergency services.”

One of her most challenging roles was in housing as she came into the position following a fallow period during the downturn in the construction sector. So, she set out to build with a focus on developing affordable and social housing and aimed to avoid some of the pitfalls that other social housing plans fell into.

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SOCIAL HOUSING LESSONS “I wanted to learn from lessons from the past to achieve cohesive communities and social integration in a more sustainable way. So, we had to find a different way of delivering housing in the city, and persuaded the Department of Housing to let us do things through a competitive dialogue procurement process.

“Not every site that we developed was in our ownership, but we worked with developers, landowners and our colleagues in the Department to build schemes in a way that ‘derisked’ things for the city council and was still highly productive for people in need of housing.”

This innovative approach was hugely successful, as Valerie explains. “I left the housing area in very capable hands then to take on the first Operations Directorate in the newly extended city. A great team took over, and at the end of 2024 2,500 high quality social, affordable and cost rental units had been delivered – 2,500 new homes for people.

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Cork City Council

“At one stage we were the biggest housing developers in Cork. The developer community and the department had great faith in us, grounded in our track record, so we continued to secure the funding.

“There’s now a healthy pipeline of 4,000 homes between Cork City Council, approved housing bodies and the Land Development Agency (LDA) in different stages of development.

“This figure is not static and continues to improve. We’re bringing new proposals forward along with approved housing bodies and the LDA as opportunities are unlocked in the city.

As long as there is funding and demand we will be able to deliver.”

MEETING AND EXCEEDING TARGETS She hopes to build on this going forward.

“We have a proven track record and strong expertise among brilliant staff.

We have also built our reputation so that all our partners can have confidence in us to deliver. We consistently meet and exceed our targets, because we don’t see these targets as a ceiling. We just want to keep delivering homes, and the right mix of tenures in line with demand and applicant profile.”

Valerie is keen to emphasise that everyone must play their part if housing targets are to be met. “We have a good

record, but there’s a lot more to be done, and we are only one part of the equation to continue. It isn’t just a question of whether the local authorities are up to the job. Zoning and the planning system need to be right, but zoning is not much use without infrastructure.

“Infrastructure and services need to be in place or planned where housing and other development is required in Ireland’s second city. If other agencies investment priorities were aligned with city development plans in terms of growth targets and locations, we could deliver for Ireland’s growing population and keep it attractive for investment.

“We need to get back to basics, and to ensure that the sites are serviced for water, wastewater and power. If those things aren’t in place, then it severely limits our ability to build houses or commercial development. There’s a myriad of different factors at play and we need a holistic approach, so additional zoning alone is clearly not the answer.”

LOCAL GREEN DEALS While Valerie says that engaging with local businesses around the issue of climate change has been important for a long time for Cork City Council, she has taken steps to increase this since starting her position. Parnell Plaza will form part of the Morrison's Island public realm and

flood defence scheme.

“Cork City Council started its climate action plan in early 2024. We have 12 local green deals in place, partnering with local organisations to accelerate sustainable action. That includes private, commercial and voluntary organisations.

“Big businesses have signed up to these as well, including Boston Scientific, Trigon Hotels, AIB, Cork Chamber of Commerce, UCC, Enable Ireland, and Ballyphehane Community Association.

We are also the only location outside of the capital to have Mission City Status.

“Those local green deals complement the objectives in the climate action plan, across resource management, the natural environment, transportation, energy and mobility. Cork City Council has also given €860,000 to 23 community groups through their community climate action fund, which was funded by dept of Environment.”

Cork City Council received a prestigious EU award for its Local Green Deals, at a ceremony in Brussels in early March. Over 60 cities participated in the EU Intelligent Cities Challenge over the last two years which aims to advance the green transition in Europe by establishing partnerships at a local level. Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Oliver Moran, accepted the award for the ‘highest number of local green deals (LGDs) of a consistently high quality’.

While Cork city escaped the worst of Storm Éowyn earlier this year, it is regularly hit with severe floods, and the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is required urgently, according to Valerie O’Sullivan.

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Cork City Council

TRANSPORT TARGETS Valerie says there are no quick fixes to addressing climate change, however some positive steps have been taken recently, particularly in the area of transport. “Many targets will take time to reach, because huge infrastructural investment needs to happen, and in Cork it is happening. Look at the government’s investment in the rail system.

“Currently there’s €300m worth of work on the ground in Cork. This will improve the rail system, frequency and travel times and make sustainable public transport a real option for people.”

In relation to two key projects announced in recent months - Cork Luas (CLUAS) and the Northern Distributor Road - Cork City Council's Chief Executive says it's great to be in the delivery phase of major infrastructure development in Cork right now.

"Extensive public consultation has finished on the emerging preferred route of the 14km Cork Northern Distributor Road. For the first time this will enable the movement of people between the east and west of the city, unlocking investment potential in areas where previously there was little or none. And, of course, we are also now in the public consultation stage on the emerging preferred route for Cork Luas, which will bring 18km of light rail with up to 25 stops. These projects are critical for Cork to achieve our growth targets and to the development of the Cork Docklands."

CENTRAL GREEN FOCUS She says that a green focus is central to how she operates as Chief Executive.

“Climate and sustainability aspects are built into every function now.

"During the first week of my tenure, I restructured the organisation and created a dedicated directorate for climate action which shows how committed we are to sustainability. So, now we have a Directorate whose core business is to look at how we can do things in a more sustainable way.”

While Cork city escaped the worst of Storm Éowyn earlier this year, Valerie says that Cork is used to being hit with severe weather, especially floods, and she says the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is required urgently.

“The city is in dire need of the flood relief scheme for the lower part of the

The emerging preferred route for Cork Luas, which will bring 18kms of light rail with up to 25 stops across the city.

Lee. The OPW is working on the project with Cork City Council. It’s a very arduous process; it is being progressed through the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, which will protect 2,100 properties against a once in 100-year flood on the River Lee, and a once in 200-year tidal flood as Cork suffers from fluvial and pluvial flooding given our location.

“That will cost €200m. We expect from our OPW colleagues that statutory consent will be sought next year.

Without protection of the city from severe flood events, we will lose our long-term competitiveness.”

FLOOD RELIEF DEFENCES She explains how flood defences are being developed in parts of the city. “We will open a public realm and flood defence scheme at Morrison’s Island in the heart of the city which incorporates significant flood

protection measures in some of the places that need it most.

“There will be a high-quality public realm along a 500-metre stretch of river, costing €16m, to protect 400 properties in the city centre. These will make a big difference in the city core when faced with flood events in the future.”

Apart from the obvious things like the damage caused and the issues with insurance, these floods prevent the attraction of additional population and investment into the city. “We cannot be prone to flooding every time there’s a severe flooding event. The Lower Lee Scheme is essential for Cork’s future.

We are hopeful that it will get an early consent so that construction can commence at long last.”

GETTING THINGS DONE Despite having spent a large part of her career in local government, Valerie finds

Having started its climate action plan in early 2024, Cork City Council now has 12 Local Green Deals (LGDs) in place, partnering with local organisations to accelerate sustainable action, including private, commercial and voluntary organisations.

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Cork City Council

it difficult to pick out a single highlight of the things she’s achieved. Instead, she says the appeal of local government for her is “the ability to make a difference in the place you work for the people you serve”.

“I could have left local government over the years, but this is the place that gets things done for the people we serve. It’s good to be a part of this delivery ethos, and that’s the source of my job satisfaction, whether what we deliver is big or small.

“Cork is the country’s key counterbalance to Dublin, and Ireland needs this. We need development and investment in Cork as a second city. The government has committed significantly to projects here for transport, housing, public realm, active travel, and other enablers delivered across city that are already making a huge difference.”

MAJOR URBAN REGENERATION An example of making a difference is the regeneration of Cork Docklands which Valerie explains more about… “It's an area of over 360 acres which makes it the biggest urban regeneration area in Ireland and one of the biggest in Europe.

We need to get it right. There are over 6000 people working on it right now, so its development is well underway.

“A few years ago, it was just the Port of Cork that did their business against a backdrop of rundown buildings which

The regeneration of Cork Docklands, comprising of an area of over 360 acres, will make it the biggest urban regeneration area in Ireland and one of the biggest in Europe. didn’t give people a reason to go to the Docklands. It’s transformed now with much more to come.”

She points out that Cork City Council is in the business of priming the area for investment. “Marina Park and promenade has been a huge success story. These are amenities that are now in place to service the residential development coming on stream.

Significant employers are already based in Cork Docklands.

“We don’t stop to acknowledge these achievements by all the players. These are important long-term investments. These

Parnell Plaza will form part of the Morrison's Island public realm and flood defence scheme.

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schemes have massive potential to transform people’s lives and places. And that’s our bread and butter in local government."

FACTFILE – VALERIE O’SULLIVAN Valerie O’Sullivan, who succeeded Ann Doherty as Chief Executive of Cork City Council, has over two decades of senior leadership experience across a wide range of directorates in local government and the wider public sector.

Before she was formally appointed to this role in October 2024, Valerie was Acting Chief Executive of Cork County Council, and a Divisional Manager in South Cork, Cork County Council.

She has previously served as Director of Services in Cork City Council across a multiplicity of directorates and functions including Housing, Operations, Environment, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Recreation, Amenity, Culture and Emergency Services.

EIRGRID

EIRGRID – POWERING UP COMMUNITIES, POWERING UP IRELAND Eirgrid’s ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future’ roadmap includes an unprecedented programme of work, in close partnership with local authorities and others around the country to roll out new and upgraded electricity infrastructure, taking power from where it’s generated to where it’s needed.

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reland’s electricity grid operator is upgrading and strengthening the grid to ensure a reliable supply of electricity for everyone.

A central aspect of Eirgrid’s task in developing a power system that is fit for both today’s needs and those of future generations involves working with communities and stakeholders, with local authorities around the country often key partners in this process.

EirGrid has worked closely with local authorities to deliver on the rollout of its vast yet essential programme. This has been demonstrated through several particularly high-profile infrastructure projects, which are currently active throughout Ireland.

LAOIS KILKENNY GRID The Laois Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement project, once complete, will see the grid in these counties upgraded to help meet an increased demand for electricity in the region, and to make the grid renewable ready.

The project involves the development of new transmission infrastructure, including substations and overhead lines, from Coolnabacky in Laois to Ballyragget in Kilkenny.

The past year has seen major milestones achieved in the project’s delivery, with construction progressing on the Coolnabacky Substation site, and works nearing completion on the Ballyragget to Coolnabacky 110 kV line.

These achievements are only possible by collaborating with local communities who host this grid infrastructure, and

Ballyadam Converter Station works near Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. through the dedication of project teams and stakeholders. An important part of this collaboration can be seen with EirGrid’s Community Benefit Fund.

With the project now in the construction phase, EirGrid recently awarded €153,450 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Laois and Kilkenny in Phase 2 of its Community Benefit Fund initiative.

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POWERING UP DUBLIN AND NORTH CONNACHT ADVANCED DUCTING In Dublin and Mayo, EirGrid has worked with local authorities to identify opportunities to put in place infrastructure that will aid the smooth delivery of later project phases and reduce the need for subsequent disruption.

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Town Councils

TOWN COUNCILS MAY BE SET FOR COMEBACK Under New Programme for Government

Westport, Co. Mayo: The Programme for Government’s local government proposals include the establishment of town councils on a regional and phased basis in large towns to provide a focal-point for raising concerns of towns and co-ordinating town-focused activities.

The re-establishment of town councils, abolished over a decade ago under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is one of a raft of proposals outlined in the new Programme for Government. However, while this broadly supported move may work to bring Ireland in line with its European counterparts, there are certain logistical challenges to consider. Report

by Christine Maguire.

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reland’s 80 town councils were abolished in 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act. This shifted financial decisions from town councils to county councils, slashed the number of councillors by over 40% and introduced Municipal Districts.

Describing local government as “the beating heart of our democracy”, the Programme for Government sets out plans to convene a Local Democracy Taskforce. The programme has put forth proposals on several areas, including the establishment of town councils “on a regional, phased basis” in large towns to “provide a focal-point for raising concerns of towns and coordinating town-focused activities.”

The Fine Gael/Labour abolition of town councils, which had comprised of 744 town councillors, followed the 2012 Putting People First plan by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, which argued they [town councils] were “inefficient” 51

and some of their work was duplicated.

However in 2017 Fianna Fáil said that the move did not actually result in the €400 million in savings as promised,

Mayo County Councillor Peter Flynn had served ten years with Westport Town Council before becoming a county councillor in 2009, describing the two experiences as “chalk and cheese”.

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Town Councils

while two years later Labour’s Brendan Howlin called for the restoration of town councils, admitting “it was a mistake”.

TOWN COUNCIL BENEFITS Mayo County Councillor Peter Flynn, who had served ten years with Westport Town Council before becoming a county councillor in 2009, told ‘Council Review’ that the two experiences are like “chalk and cheese”.

“We were paid a fraction of the salary we’re paid now, but more councillors represented more sections of society and people knew who their local councillors were,” noted the Fine Gael Councillor.

“Since council meetings are held during the day; dominated by either auctioneers,

Independent Cllr Anne Colgan from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said that the re-establishment of town councils raises “significant structural and legal questions”.

farmers, publicans or people that are retired or semi-retired,” he said, adding that “it isn’t balanced in terms of experience, expertise and qualifications”.

Cllr Flynn said that town councils were more efficient and accountable, as “money raised within the town stayed within the town. So, if you increased parking charges or rent, at least you go back to your business owners, or your residents, and say…‘This is where the money is going to go over the next five years.’”

He believes that the “unaccountable” chief executives in county councils have too much control, and because they are “not involved in the operational side of things, they really have no idea of what's happening on the ground, so meetings go around in circles”.

“The Planning and Development Act 2024 and the revised National Planning Framework were prepared based on local plans, city and county plans, regional strategies and a national framework. So, the role of town councils within this hierarchy…. needs careful consideration.”

– Dr Seán O’Leary, Senior Planner with the Irish Planning Institute

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Town Councils

districts, there has been much activity in the areas of planning reform, climate action, and many other public policy areas where national and regional structures are invested, with functions and powers that impact on local government,” she said.

Kilkenny’s Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin said the abolishment was “clearly in breach of the EU principle of subsidiarity, which states that all decisions should be made at the level which is closest to the citizen”.

WEAKEST SYSTEM IN THE EU Ireland’s system of local government has been speared as one of the weakest in the EU, with a 2023 Council of Europe report describing it as “one of the most centralised” countries in Europe. While the EU average for tax revenue spent at a local level is 23%, in Ireland it’s just 8%.

Scoring just above Moldova and Hungary on the Local Autonomy Index (LAI), Ireland also falls short when it comes to representation, with 5,196 people per councillor compared to 412 in Finland and 620 in Spain.

“The main reason we have the second lowest number of elected representatives in the EU is largely because of the abolition of councils, which were incredibly cost-efficient and representative of citizens’ needs,” Kilkenny County Councillor Seán Ó hArgáin told ‘Council Review’.

According to Labour’s Cllr Ó hArgáin, the abolishment was “clearly in breach of the EU principle of subsidiarity, which states that all decisions should be made at the level which is closest to the citizen”.

Bringing back town councils could be a step towards addressing these issues, but the practicalities need to be ironed out.

Independent Councillor Anne Colgan from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County told ‘Council Review’ that the “terrain has very much changed from that which was in place when relatively independent town councils were operating.”

“Alongside the advent of the municipal

THE SCOPE FOR DEVOLUTION Re-establishment raises “significant structural and legal questions,” Cllr Colgan explained, such as how they would operate in relation to regional and national policy frameworks and the municipal districts, how a town would be designated eligible for a council and whether voters would elect separate councillors.

“The Local Democracy Taskforce “will need to seriously address the scope for devolution of roles and powers from central to local government in the interests of subsidiarity,” she said. “From a councillors’ perspective we will expect a focus on strengthening the reserved functions of the elected councillors; we will want to bid for improved secure funding for local authorities, and more independence for councils in spending and investment decisions for the benefit of our citizens.”

Mayo’s Cllr Flynn suggested converting municipal districts to have the same function as town councils. “[They] are ready once you give them the entirety in terms of the authorisations and delegation that would go with a town council,” he said.

“And then at the next Local Election, you increase the number of town councils and increase the number of councillors at the district level, so the smaller towns have the opportunity to be represented.”

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ROLE Dr Seán O’Leary, Senior Planner with the Irish Planning Institute, which was in favour of the abolition of town councils in 2014, told ‘Council Review’ that many of the IPI’s concerns about smaller town councils remain.

Without addressing the underresourced planning system, “reestablishing smaller town councils risks stretching thin resources even further and they will continue to be inadequately staffed and resourced,” he said, adding:

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Ireland’s system of local government has been speared as one of the weakest in the EU, with a 2023 Council of Europe report describing it as “one of the most centralised” countries in Europe.

“Planning functions need to be delivered at the lowest appropriate level.”

“The Planning and Development Act 2024 and the current revision of the National Planning Framework were prepared based on local plans, city and county plans, regional strategies and a national framework.

“So, the role of town councils within this hierarchy, and where and how they can help with the delivery of housing, infrastructure, economic development and climate action, needs careful consideration.” “[R]obust structures at sub-county and community level are needed to address these challenges,” Cllr Colgan said, adding that the starting point is “how do we create resilient, socially and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods”, as great places for communities and people.

“The optimum form of structures are the ones with a clear vision for local governance that can deliver the answers to that question, while also supporting co-ordinated and integrated rural and urban development,” she noted.

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Town Councils

AILG WELCOMES PLANS FOR LOCAL DEMOCRACY TASKFORCE The Association of Irish Local Government had emphasised in its Local Government Manifesto for the General Elections, the urgent need to enhance local democratic control over the internal administrative structure of local government.

It followed the AILG’s research report, ‘The 21st Century Councillor in Irish Local Government’, conducted

by Maynooth University and published in January 2024.

This report highlighted low support for local government reforms in recent decades, with significant dissatisfaction regarding the 2014 Local Government (Reform) Act. In a statement to ‘Council Review’ AILG President Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon (pictured here) noted: “The changes are perceived as increasing central control while reducing the power of councillors, with the abolition of town councils cited as one of the most problematic.

“However, while the research findings on the recent local government reforms are generally negative, there are some positive pointers with respect to the formation of local subcounty structures, most notably municipal districts. Most councillors support the Municipal District system and wish to see it strengthened with increased powers and autonomy.

“Simply put, if municipal districts were granted the same level of service devolution that was previously afforded to town councils, there would be no need to reintroduce town councils as a sub-county structure.

“To strengthen municipal districts as effective local governance units, additional powers should be devolved, particularly in key areas such as planning, roads, housing, and community engagement. Greater financial and corporate autonomy is also essential to ensure they have the necessary resources to fulfil their expanded role. While municipal districts have improved spatial representation, in AILG’s view, they have yet to fully realise their potential as local democratic platforms.

“An independent review, as part of the Local Democracy Taskforce, should assess their structures and responsibilities, with a focus on shifting person-centred services to the municipal level, enhancing financial independence, and

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strengthening democratic oversight.

“In addition to enhancing municipal districts, we strongly support giving area committees in urban local authorities an equivalent statutory footing equivalent. At present, urban governance structures lack the same legal standing as municipal districts, creating an imbalance between rural and urban local decision-making.

“AILG recommends that the Government prioritise the statutory recognition of area committees in Cork City, Galway City, and Dublin’s four local authorities in Dublin City, Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and South Dublin. This move would ensure equal treatment between urban and rural governance structures and create a more consistent approach to local decision-making across the country.

“The Association welcomes the local government commitments identified in the new Programme for Government, in particular the commitment to convene a Local Democracy Taskforce to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. AILG looks forward to actively engaging in this process over the coming months.”

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Digital Twin Technology

DCU CAMPUS PILOTS DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY

Smart Solutions For Safer Communities Dublin City University’s campus is currently being used to trial and refine digital twin applications in a bid to improve real-time decision-making during emergencies. Part of the Digital Twins for Emergency Management project, the pilot scheme is testing the technology before deployment across the wider Dublin City Council area, and subsequently on a national scale. ‘Council Review’ gets the lowdown.

D

CU Business School, DCU Insight and Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) are pioneering the next generation of smart emergency management solutions. By harnessing their combined expertise, these strategic partners are spearheading groundbreaking innovations in digital twin technology, setting a new benchmark for risk assessment, pre-incident planning, and emergency management.

The Digital Twins for Emergency Management (DT4EM) project is revolutionising traditional emergency management practices, particularly in terms of pre-incident planning with Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB). Historically, these procedures have relied on paper-based methods, requiring extensive time and effort to create and retrieve critical information during emergencies.

The DT4EM project now aims to fully digitise this process, drastically reducing the time needed for pre-incident planning.

With this new framework, all essential data will be accessible on a digital device, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of emergency response.

This collaboration between DCU Business School, DCU Insight and DFB is now poised to transform emergency management, enhancing real-time decision-making and operational efficiency through cutting-edge digital solutions.

ENHANCING REAL-TIME DECISION-MAKING A key objective of the DT4EM project is to improve realtime decision-making during emergencies. By creating a dynamic 3D model of emergency sites, digital twin technology integrates live data from multiple sources, providing emergency responders with instant access to crucial information such as building layouts, hazard locations, and resource availability.

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This enhanced situational awareness allows for optimised resource deployment, helping first responders and campus managers make quicker, more informed decisions in critical situations.

MULTI-STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION The DT4EM project is driven by a multidisciplinary collaboration between DCU’s Insight Centre, Smart DCU, Bentley Systems, DCU Business School and DFB. By combining academic research with emergency management expertise, this partnership fosters innovation and ensures the technology is both practical and impactful.

DCU’s campuses currently serve as a testbed for trialling and refining digital twin applications before wider implementation.

The campus infrastructure offers a controlled yet complex environment for realistic emergency scenario testing, ensuring the technology is rigorously validated before it is deployed across the Dublin City Council area, and subsequently on a national scale.

INNOVATION IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT A recent event at DCU Business School brought together members of the Emergency Management Institute Ireland (EMII) and leading experts in emergency management to explore the transformative potential of digital twin technology.

Organised by Prof Caroline McMullan and researcher Romal Thakkar, the breakfast briefing event showcased the project’s innovative strategies for enhancing risk and emergency management.

Experts from DCU’s Insight Centre, DCU Business School, and Dublin Fire Brigade delivered insightful presentations

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Digital Twin Technology

and visualise real-world scenarios in real-time. By bridging the gap between digital innovation and practical emergency response, we can ensure faster, more informed decisions that save lives and protect communities," Romal Thakkar, DT4EM Project Researcher, pointed out.

Prof Caroline McMullan, Co-Principal Investigator of the DT4EM project, said it is “incredibly exciting to collaborate with leading experts in data analytics, digital technology, emergency management, in addition to the fire and rescue service to create a best-in-class approach to pre-incident planning and broader emergency management”.

Prof McMullan said that this partnership not only enhances risk and emergency management capabilities on the university campus in the short term “but also lays the foundation for a transformational shift in this field over the medium and longer term”.

Pat Leahy, former Garda Assistant Commissioner, explores the potential of the digital twin technology using Virtual Reality at the EMII breakfast briefing at DCU Business School. on the practical applications of digital twin technology in emergency management.

Dr Ali Intizar, Co-Principal Investigator of the DT4EM project at DCU School of Electronic Engineering, alongside Dr Jaime Fernandez from Insight Centre, and DFB’s Michael O’Donnell and Robert Howell, shared groundbreaking insights into the future of pre-incident planning and emergency management strategies.

"Over recent years, we have successfully created a digital twin of DCU campuses, enhanced with real-time data analytics. This highlights the transformative power of digital technologies for smart city applications, significantly improving our quality of life and society.

“The DT4EM project exemplifies the crucial real-world impact of digital twin technologies, particularly in emergency response and risk management, where their benefits are most critical,” according to Dr Intizar.

PRE-PLANNING TO POST-INCIDENT ANALYSIS Dennis Keeley, Chief Fire Officer, Dublin Fire Brigade, told the EMII breakfast meeting that having worked on a range of technology projects during his career, he has concluded that “assisting emergency response technology is only as good as its usability and clear added value; if it is not simple, intuitive and does not solve problems immediately, then firefighters are less likely to adopt any of these initiatives”.

With the DT4EM project being developed with practitioners and academics from DFB and DCU/Insight Centre, DFB’s fire chief said that every aspect of the project is being developed with user experience and safety benefits in mind.

“On completion, it is anticipated that the integration of this project will help streamline everything from pre-planning and training to emergency response to post-incident analysis,” he pointed out.

PIONEERING FUTURE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The successful adoption of digital twin technology will pave the way for a safer, more responsive future, enhancing emergency management both on campus and across the city.

“The DT4EM project, spearheaded by Insight/DCU and Dublin Fire Brigade, holds the potential to redefine the emergency services sector by integrating advanced academic and sector-specific expertise.

“By leveraging real-time data, the project empowers emergency responders to act with greater precision, reducing response times and ultimately safeguarding lives in critical situations," noted Celine Heffernan, Business Development Manager at the Insight Centre.

Dr Ali Intizar, Co-Principal Investigator of the DT4EM project at DCU School of Electronic Engineering, shared some insights into the future of pre-incident planning and emergency management strategies, using digital twin technology.

TRANSFORMING LIVES AND SOCIETIES "Digital twin technology represents a transformative leap forward in emergency management, allowing us to simulate 61

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Road Safety

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For National Road Safety Conference

Kerry County Council will roll out a national road safety conference on 28 and 29 May, to discuss the latest research, strategies, technologies and policies aimed at reducing road-related collisions, fatalities and injuries, and to share resources and ideas on the best way forward to help improve road safety across Ireland.

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he two-day ‘Safer Roads’ conference, which takes place at Killarney’s Gleneagle INEC Arena, will be attended by road safety professionals, speakers and service providers from Ireland, other EU countries and the UK. These will include transportation experts, government and local authority officials, roads policing and vehicle inspection agencies, road safety advocates, educators and promoters, collision responders, cycling bodies and community safety networks.

The inter-agency conference will focus on improving road safety, reducing traffic-related incidents, and sharing knowledge and best practices for safer road use. It encompasses various strategies and efforts across multiple domains, including road design, engineering, enforcement, forensic collision investigation, technology, education, collision trends, occupational driving, e-mobility, active and sustainable travel, and on-road events.

Kerry County Council’s Senior Executive Engineer Brian Lennon, Assistant Health & Safety Advisor Katriona Scully and Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh.

Kerry County Council officials (l-r): Executive Engineer Vincent Foley, Assistant Staff Officer Deirdre Moynihan, Director Frank Hartnett, Staff Officer Margaret O’Sullivan and Senior Executive Engineer Brian O’Connor.

According to Declan Keogh, Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer, road safety has evolved over the years to a much broader scope, in terms of e-mobility, sustainability, technology and engineering for instance.

“It’s not just about the road or the vehicle anymore, but also about how technology, human behaviour, enforcement, and education intersect to reduce risks and prevent collisions. The ‘Safer Roads’ conference will involve and include every branch of the road safety tree, right across the board, and in doing so, we aim to increase road safety awareness, improve road user behaviour and decrease the collisions and carnage we see on our roads every day,” Keogh pointed out.

The event will also provide an opportunity for interested state bodies, businesses and service providers to showcase their products and services and engage with delegates and officials at the conference.

In addition, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Driver Simulation will also play a significant role at the conference, in improving safety by predicting and preventing accidents, optimising traffic, and aiding the development of autonomous vehicles.

According to Frank Hartnett, Director of Services for Roads & Transport at Kerry County Council, this milestone event will be “an opportunity for a world class community that shares a passion, dedication and desire to excel in road safety to learn and share”.

He said that the safety of our roads is not the responsibility of one organisation, but that of all stakeholders and road users.

“Through working together, sharing our knowledge, expertise, and experience, we aim to develop a safer environment for all road users,” he added.

For further information visit www.kerrycoco.ie/safer-roadsroad-safety-conference

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Social Housing Festival

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL HOUSING FESTIVAL 2025 Dublin Gets Set For ‘Storytelling’ Dublin plays host to the 2025 edition of the International Social Housing on 4-6 June at the National Convention Centre, which will feature the experiences, ideas and voices of all those engaged in housing – from public, co-operative, and social housing providers to tenants, policymakers, and advocates for inclusive homes and neighbourhoods.

T

he International Social Housing Festival (ISHF) is an initiative of Housing Europe – the European Federation of Public, Co-operative and Social Housing – that gathers industry experts from around the world to exchange experiences, learnings and shared goals.

The main theme of the 2025 festival in Dublin – ‘Storytelling’ – will centre on experiences, ideas and voices of all those engaged in housing. This will range from public, co-operative and social housing providers to tenants, policymakers, and advocates for inclusive homes and neighbourhoods.

This is the fifth edition of the ISHF, which has previously been hosted by Amsterdam (2017), Lyon (2019), Helsinki (2022) and Barcelona (2023). These festivals have mobilised activists, housing professionals, community groups, policymakers to focus on what society can gain by pushing for excellence in housing for people and the planet, bringing hope and creating synergies to put solutions in place for those households and individuals now stuck in limbo.

SECTORAL EXCHANGE OF IDEAS Hosted by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) and

Dublin will host the International Social Housing Festival 2025 in June – Minister Darragh O’Brien pictured with members of the Irish delegation following the handover in Barcelona on 9 June 2023.

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Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) in association with Housing Europe, the festival will bring an estimated 2,000 people together at the National Convention Centre in Dublin from 4-6 June.

The three-day event will feature discussions around international social and affordable housing projects with a focus on affordable homes for young people. It will also feature sessions on climate, energy, and innovation in housing delivery, while delegates will have an opportunity to visit projects around Dublin during the event.

Officially launching the event at the F2 Community Centre in Rialto last September, the then Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD described social and affordable homes as “invaluable part” of the housing stock, having played an important role in Irish society for many decades.

“Hosting this event in Ireland will bring excellent international insights and promote the exchange of ideas from all sectors. ISHF is an excellent opportunity to foster a productive atmosphere to collaboratively work towards delivering Housing for All,” Minister O’Brien noted.

CHANGING HOUSING PARADIGM In awarding the hosting of ISHF25 to Ireland, Housing Europe pointed to several factors including existing regeneration projects across Dublin and nationwide. Social housing currently makes up less than 10% of housing in Ireland, while the European average of social affordable housing is 18%.

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Social Housing Festival

20% of the national stock, ensuring an appropriate tenure mix”.

Donal McManus, CEO of the Irish Council for Social Housing, noted that “while housing is at a pinch point globally, together we can learn from each other, and this is why ISHF is such a brilliant opportunity. If we look back to projects such as the Iveagh Trust developed through the Guinness Family, they were fantastic examples of social housing well over a century ago developing communities.

“We have a long history of providing excellent social housing and I strongly believe that increasing supply and providing long-term public housing tenancies would now be major steps forward for our housing sector.”

Pictured at the launch of the ISHF2025 in September 2024 (l-r): Pearse O’Shiel, Chair of Co-operative Housing Ireland; Donal McManus, CEO of ICSH; Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe; Minister Darragh O’Brien TD; Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr James Geoghegan; and Tina Donaghy, ICSH President.

Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe, said; “While news of the housing crisis dominates, every day at local level in Ireland and around Europe, we also see proof that we can change the housing paradigm to focus on people and communities.

“The ISHF in Amsterdam, Lyon, Helsinki, Lyon and Barcelona has proven to be a great way to put a spotlight on those success stories and mobilise around the need for decent housing for all. Some may question the timing of the festival in view of how the housing crisis is impacting lives in Ireland, while we argue that precisely for this reason this is the right time for Dublin to take up the baton.”

The first festival in Amsterdam in 2017 was attended by some 1,300 people with a total of 45 events over two days. The second was organised in Lyon in 2019 and involved some 5,000 participants and 70 events over four days.

The third, planned for 2021 had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and finally took place in June 2022 in Helsinki, where about 1,000 people participated in 80 different activities over three days. The 2023 festival took place in Barcelona on 7-9 June.

LONG-TERM TENANCIES The Housing Commission’s report in 2024 stated that there “should be a targeted increase in the proportion of social and cost-rental housing to

About Housing Europe: Representing 44 national and regional federations and 16 partner organisations across 31 countries since 1988, Housing Europe is the European Federation of Public, Co-operative and Social Housing, and its members and allies. Housing Europe oversees around 25 million homes, accounting for approximately 11% of Europe’s housing stock. For further information visit www.housingeurope.eu

For further information and registration details for the International Social Housing Festival visit www.socialhousingfestival.eu/

ICSH staff members with President Tina Donaghy and CEO Donal McManus, alongside Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe.

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Mayo Social Scheme

HOUSING AS A CORE PART OF SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE The urgent need to focus on housing as a core part of the continuum of support and care for older people was the key message of a housing seminar, organised by Mayo Social – an initiative between Mayo County Council, the HSE, Sage Advocacy and other agencies to address the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society.

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central theme of the ‘Big H’ seminar looked at how to plan the future of housing and care needs of Ireland’s increasing older population – moving away from an overreliance on private nursing homes towards a ‘household model’, which emphasises less institutionalised approaches focused on neighbourhoods, social connectedness and community development.

The seminar, which recently took place in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, was addressed by Minister for Social Protection Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD and Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Alan Dillon TD. Former Dublin City Council Deputy Chief Executive Brendan Kenny outlined particular challenges experienced in the area of housing and older people. Trinity academic Tom Grey, while planning specialist for older people Ann Coyle focused on design issues – in particular an alternative approach to nursing homes based on a ‘household model’.

Pictured at the seminar in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on 16 April (l-r): Mervyn Taylor, Sage Advocacy; Tom Gilligan, Director of Services (Housing), Mayo Co Council; Dr Michael Browne, Research Advisor, Sage Advocacy; Dr Jerry Cowley, Chair, St Brendan's Mulranny; Denis Gallagher, Chair, Castlebar Social Services; Deirdre Waldron, General Manager, Castlebar Social Services; Cllr Ger Deere, Mayo Co Council; Sheila Hunt, Regional Advocate, Sage Advocacy; Mark Mellett, Chair Maritime Area regulatory Authority & Chair Sage Advocacy; and Des Mulligan, Older Peoples Services, HSE West/North-West Region.

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Opening the event the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John O’Hara, noted the inclusion in the Programme for Government of a reference to the development of an annual Social Enterprise Empowerment and Development allocation (SEED) to unlock the potential of the social enterprise sector for sustainable job creation and community services.

“There is considerable evidence to support the view that the wellbeing of older people is deeply rooted in social connectedness. We need to explore opportunities for innovation to build on existing social infrastructure such as pubs, cafés, sports facilities, meals on wheels and to help bring life back into our villages and towns,” Cllr O’Hara noted.

COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY & RESILIENCE Noting that Mayo is one of several counties in the west and north-west with a growing population of older people, with thousands of them living alone, Minister Calleary said that housing and neighbourhoods need to be designed to take account of this.

“Public services for all citizens, especially older citizens, need to be designed so that they become more ‘wrap around’ and less ’send around’. If public service reform means anything it means thinking, planning and developing in ways that build resilience and community solidarity. It needs services which are informed by useful data, well-practiced in inter-service collaboration, agile and pragmatic in their responses and valuing and actively involving the community and voluntary sector in their planning and responses.”

Minister of State Alan Dillon described as “encouraging” the focus by Mayo County Council, the HSE, Sage Advocacy, Castlebar Social Services and St Brendan’s Mulranny in addressing the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society.

“The experience of Storm Éowyn has shown how vulnerable older people can be, especially when living alone, but it has also shown us the great strengths that lie within our communities when faced with the serious consequences of climate change,” the Minister noted.

Key issues from the seminar will be used to inform the work of Mayo Social, and several other consultations across a wide range of sectors are now planned as part of the initiative.

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Greenways Programme

€67 MILLION TO BE ROLLED OUT FOR GREENWAY PROJECTS IN 2025 Total funding of €67m has been allocated by the Government for Greenways and National Roads Active Travel infrastructure through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to support the delivery of several Greenway projects throughout the country over the coming year.

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pproximately 24km of Greenways are expected to be rolled out for 2025, with further section openings expected on the Grand Canal Greenway and the South-East Greenway, while work is to continue on the South Kerry Greenway and other projects across the country.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State Seán Canney and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer recently announced the €67m allocation, which will also be used to fund approximately 60 Greenway schemes to move through the planning and design stages. These include the Fingal Coastal Way, Limerick to Scarriff, Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway and the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway.

The allocation will also be used to enable delivery of active travel infrastructure on national roads, and to progress the National Cycle Network which identifies 3,500 km of cycling corridors around the country linking cities and towns.

This allocation of €67m for the Greenways programme is in addition to approximately €293m allocated to fund the Active Travel programme, announced by the NTA in January 2025.

This programme supports a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges, and pedestrian crossings.

Minister O’Brien said that the combined allocation of €360m this year for active travel and greenway infrastructure demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to expanding sustainable transport options.

“This funding will support the development of high-quality walking and cycling facilities in cities, towns, village and rural areas. The €67m

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien pictured in Malahide, following his announcement of €67m in funding for Greenways for the year ahead. investment will help deliver key greenway projects all over the country.

There is great excitement in my community of Malahide as we anticipate the completion of the Broadmeadow Greenway in 2026, and we look forward to the progression of the Fingal Coastal Scheme north to Balbriggan.”

PROGRESS TOWARDS VISION ZERO Minister of State Seán Canney said: “Greenways are safe and accessible transport corridors that encourage greater levels of travel by cycling and walking, rather than by private cars, for leisure users, tourists and commuters.

“The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure on our national roads is crucial in offering safe travel options to cyclists and pedestrians. It also contributes to our progress towards 71

Vision Zero, our road safety strategy which sets out to achieve zero road fatalities or serious injuries by 2050.”

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer said: “Greenways have represented a tremendous success for rural Ireland showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas and helping small local businesses to thrive. Greenways also provide an outdoor recreational facility to be enjoyed by all members of the community.”

Peter Walsh, Chief Executive of TII, noted that the 2025 Greenway funding highlights the commitment of the Department of Transport and the Government to deliver active travel options throughout the country. “TII along with our local authority partners will continue to deliver and progress these important Greenway projects,” he concluded.

INSURING

IRELAND At IPB Insurance, we are proud to be Ireland’s only indigenous mutual insurer, protecting our Local Authority and ETB Members.

From the Cliffs of Moher to the Spire in Dublin, we have been protecting our Members and their communities nationwide for over 95 years.

working to make a difference | www.ipb.ie IPB Insurance CLG, trading as IPB Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

72is authorised by the Central Bank For business in the UK, IPB Insurance of Ireland and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

IPB INSURANCE

LATE NIGHT LEAGUE PROGRAMME: Strengthening Communities Through Football The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Late Night League programme continues to make a significant impact within communities, thanks to the steadfast support from IPB Insurance, in collaboration with local authorities and An Garda Síochána.

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ecently showcased at an event in O’Connell’s Secondary School, Dublin 1, the initiative highlights the power of football in promoting social inclusion, strengthening community ties and steering young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. Through sport, the Late Night League fosters a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork, and promotes mental well-being among participants.

Football, a sport for all, serves as a vital tool in engaging young people in meaningful activities. The Late Night League not only offers a chance to develop sporting skills but also provides a positive outlet for young individuals, reinforcing values of respect, discipline, and camaraderie. By fostering inclusion and promoting mental health benefits, the programme plays a crucial role in youth development.

The scheme’s success is largely attributed to the dedication of local authorities, FAI development officers, and An Garda Síochána. It offers a safe and structured environment where local Gardaí can engage with young people at an early stage by building trust and positive relationships within the community.

FAI’s Head of Grassroots, Nigel Keady, commended the collective efforts behind the programme: “The Late Night Leagues are an integral part of giving back to local communities and giving youths a focus. The scheme wouldn’t

be possible without the support of local Gardaí and the local authorities, as we use football as a vehicle for positive community engagement and bringing people together in areas that benefit most from that.”

John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, also emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening community relations: “As a mutual insurer, we are delighted to partner with our local authority members in supporting An Garda Síochána and the FAI in delivering the Late Night Leagues, an important initiative in promoting social inclusion.

“This programme provides young people with a safe and positive environment to express themselves through sport, building strong relationships with their peers and local Gardaí. The success of the Late Night Leagues highlights the importance of collaboration. By fostering informal communication between young people and Gardaí, it helps build trust, mutual understanding, and safer neighbourhoods.”

He added that with the continued commitment of all stakeholders involved, the programme is set to expand its reach and further its positive influence within communities across Ireland. “As football continues to unite people of all backgrounds, initiatives like these demonstrate the sport’s potential to drive social change and build stronger, safer communities.”

Tom Keane, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at IPB Insurance, John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, Bohemians player Sarah McKevitt and Supt Anne Marie Twomey, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, pictured with schoolgirls at the FAI Late Night League event.

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Tidy Towns

COST-SAVING INSURANCE AGREEMENT IS

Talk of The Tidy Towns!

CCMA’s Chair Anna Marie Delaney representative and Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, pictured with Robert Troy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance and IPB’s Chief Executive John Kearns and Chair John Hogan.

A new partnership agreement between local authorities and IPB Insurance to remove the cost of insurance for Tidy Towns groups across Ireland will result in substantial savings and will enable the groups to focus their energy and resources on community activities.

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here are over 1,000 active Tidy Towns groups in Ireland and the cost of insurance for those groups represents a material and significant drain on their limited financial resources. However, this new partnership means that local authority-backed Tidy Towns groups will now have insurance cover at no cost to them.

“It will enable them to continue their vital work bringing benefits to the community and the country. IPB and the local government sector are to be commended for this efficient and highly innovative solution,” noted Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance.

“The implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform has yielded substantial benefits for consumers, and insurance capacity is now accessible in previously challenging sectors, including hospitality, leisure activities, and community groups,” the Minister added.

ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY PRIDE Anna Marie Delaney, Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, said: “The Tidy Towns competition is a hugely valuable initiative in encouraging communities to work together to make their neighbourhood more attractive, and in helping to instil a sense of pride in those areas.

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“Local authorities already support voluntary and community groups through the provision of grant funding to assist them in this endeavour. We are delighted to now be in a position to work with IPB Insurance to extend a master Tidy Towns insurance policy to cover groups carrying out local authority-supported Tidy Towns activities. This will eliminate the administrative burden on groups to provide evidence of insurance before grants are awarded.”

John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, said that this initiative demonstrates the benefits of collaboration to address insurance challenges that make a meaningful difference for our members and their communities. “We are delighted to partner with our local authority members to deliver a community insurance scheme that protects those who do so much for their communities on a voluntary basis.”

He added that the initiative delivers tangible benefits through the pooling of risk associated with Tidy Towns activities under a master policy undertaken by local authorities enabling Tidy Towns voluntary groups to focus on their core mission of improving the local amenity in their communities.

“The cost savings associated with the scheme should assist groups by ensuring they have more resources available to support their activities. To date almost 700 eligible Tidy Town groups have been catered for, since the scheme was rolled out on nationwide basis,” he added.

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E-Waste Recycling

IRELAND MARKS TWO DECADES OF E-Waste Recycling Records

Over 250 million old and broken electrical items have been diverted from landfill mainly due to the recycling efforts of Irish households over the past 20 years, according to data recently released to mark two decades of the largest e-waste compliance scheme in this country.

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aste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland has facilitated the collection and recycling of more than 609,000 tonnes – almost 122,000 fortyfoot trucks full – of electrical waste. Its scheme has invested around €25 million annually into building and supporting Ireland’s indigenous recycling infrastructure.

However, WEEE Ireland warns that recycling targets set by Europe more than a decade ago mean Ireland’s efforts are not being recognised as they fail to account for the improved lifespan of technology, as well as efforts to repair and reuse products.

It is urging EU policymakers to modernise the WEEE Directive, due for major review next year, to reflect the realities of today’s electronics market. EU member states are required to collect a minimum of 65% of the average weight of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the market over the three preceding years.

"While WEEE Ireland’s takeback rates match the European average, our ability to meet this target is moving further out of reach every year—not because we’re failing, but because the targets ignore the real impact of circular economy efforts," noted Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

REALISTIC TARGETS NEEDED “The EU’s current linear weight-based targets do not consider the extended lifespans of modern electronics or the growing emphasis on repair and reuse, meaning Ireland’s true environmental progress goes unrecognised. So, if a mobile phone is repaired or refurbished, it does not count toward Ireland’s official environmental performance, despite keeping raw materials in circulation.

“Newer appliances such as solar PV panels and heat pumps last 15 to 20 years, delaying their recycling eligibility – yet they’re still counted in today’s sales-based targets. We need realistic targets to benchmark our systems and drive improvement. The EU must rethink how it tracks e-waste management to align with circular economy principles.”

Donovan said that one of the notable successes from 20 years of the scheme has been WEEE Ireland’s collaboration with Irish collection, recycling and recovery operators, particularly its partners KMK Metals Recycling, Irish Lamps Recycling and Recycle IT. Working with these, over 30,000 tonnes of steel, plastic and glass are extracted each year, through Ireland’s certified e-waste facilities.

Other valuable metals recovered include aluminium, copper and iron significantly reducing the need for raw material extraction.

The 250 million electrical items recycled since 2005 comprises 7.6 million large household appliances, 188 million mixed WEEE 77

items, 1.8 million fridges, 5.1 million televisions and monitors and 47.5 million lamps. The equivalent of 725 million used AA batteries were also saved from landfill.

WEEE Ireland accounts for 78% of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity. Its leadership in e-waste recycling is driven by a strong retail takeback network, where nearly 60% of e-waste collections come from in-store returns, with civic amenity sites, and other initiatives such as free public recycling events, making up the rest.

Celebrating the 20-year milestone, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Alan Dillon, praised WEEE Ireland’s role in steering millions of waste electronic items and batteries away from landfill.

“While capturing these valuable resources is a critical first step for sustainability and economic resilience, we need an even greater focus in Ireland on repair, reuse, and product durability to create a truly circular economy,” said Minister Dillon.

WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan pictured at Coolmine Civic Amenity Centre in Dublin, marking 20 years of e-waste recycling.

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Local Authority Waters Programme

OVER €800,000 FUNDING FOR Water Quality Management Community Projects The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in Ireland’s river catchments, has awarded €856,260 in funding to 40 community groups in 19 counties under the ‘Catchment Support Fund Open Call 2025’.

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he Catchment Support Fund was launched last year as a direct response to the Resilience Pilot Project Evaluation, in addition to an external review of LAWPRO’s other fund – the Community Water Development Fund.

Both reviews indicated that funding was necessary to build capacity in local groups to support Ireland’s third River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan 2024.

Over €500,000 was awarded to 37 organisations in 2024.

This year’s allocation will help build the capacity of nongovernmental organisations focussed on water quality by providing funding to enable them to achieve their goals.

The funding will support a diverse range of projects nationwide including: • River and catchment conservation: initiatives to restore and protect local rivers and their ecosystems.

• Community engagement: programmes that promote water stewardship and raise awareness about water quality issues.

• Biodiversity enhancement: projects that support habitats and species dependent on clean water.

This funding is an important part of Ireland’s Water Action Plan, the roadmap to restore Ireland's waterbodies to 'good' status or better, and to protect against further deterioration between 2023 and 2027.

It aims to do this through an “integrated catchment management approach”, which means understanding the area, water uses, potential threats and bringing together science and communities.

Launching the Catchment Support Fund at Lough Ree (l-r): Regional co-ordinators Barry Deane, Mags Keegan and Dr Fran Igoe, pictured with Sheevaun Thompson, Funding Lead, Anthony Coleman, LAWPRO’s Director of Services, and regional co-ordinators Jimmy McVeigh and Dr Bernie White.

INCREASED FUNDING, INCREASED DEMANDS Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said this year’s allocation (an increase of €300,000 on 2024) has been in response to increased demand from groups to carry out larger water quality and protection projects.

“As well as promoting water stewardship and water quality, it enables local communities to play an active role in Ireland’s Water Action Plan. For example, in Bantry funding of €25,250 will support an engagement officer for StreamScapes, who will raise awareness of water quality and equip groups with practical knowledge on how to protect it.”

Commenting on the Catchment Support Fund 2025, LAWPRO’s Director of Services, Anthony Coleman said they’re proud to be able to support community groups in their efforts to protect and improve local water quality.

“It’s essential that community groups have the opportunity to develop, so they can continue to deliver impactful projects and drive positive change in our water quality for future generations,” he added.

It follows the announcement in February that LAWPRO awarded over €1million in grants under the Community Water Development Fund to support community groups to undertake projects to protect and restore good water quality in Ireland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water.

Further funding is available through LAWPRO’s Small Grants and Events Scheme, which allows community groups to apply for support to cover small scale initiatives and events related to water quality.

For full details on grants awarded and more information on LAWPRO visit www.lawaters.ie

Bantry’s StreamScapes youth engagement programme is receiving €25,250 under the 2025 Catchment Support Fund.

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Education and Training

€8M FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARDS Funding of €8 million in further education capital grants has been earmarked for 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country to help them carry out small-scale works and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring projects are advanced quickly and efficiently.

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inister for Further and Higher Education, Research, “ETBs can prioritise maintenance and upgrading works Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, recently across their existing capital stock, ensuring value for money announced the continuation of the €8m funding while enhancing the FET learning environment.” stream to the ETBs, to support the provision of Avril Behan, Director of FET College of the Future in Further Education & Training (FET) nationally.

SOLAS, said: "SOLAS is delighted with the announcement of “The devolved capital grant allows ETBs to address a range continuing support for Education and Training Boards (ETBs) of small-scale capital needs across their FET estates, including through the Devolved Capital Grant for FET. minor works and procurement of equipment. The funding is an "This grant enables ongoing improvement in the quality and essential part of the overall funding framework to support ETBs capacity of learning facilities, as well as providing learners in the delivery of FET,” the Minister added. with access to equipment and supports which are vital for Funding is provided under Project 2040 and forms part of the their skills-focused education and training.” ongoing investment in the further education and training (FET) SOLAS will distribute the Devolved Capital Allocation of sector. Using this grant, ETBs will be able to carry out work such just over €8 million to the individual ETBs as set out in the as upgrades to computer labs and science labs, replacement following table. The devolved funding bands reflect the overall of apprenticeship equipment, roof works and planned scale of each ETB and are based on overall funding allocations. improvement works of FET buildings.

Minister 2025 ETB DEVOLVED CAPITAL ALLOCATION Lawless added: ETB Maximum Capital Value for each ETB Total Funding 2025 “The National Development €435,000 €2,610,000 Cavan Monaghan ETB (CMETB) Donegal ETB (DETB) Plan, part of Kilkenny & Carlow ETB (KCETB) Project Ireland Laois & Offaly ETB (LOETB) 2040, provided a Longford & Westmeath ETB (LWETB) dedicated capital Tipperary ETB (TETB) envelope for the Galway & Roscommon ETB (GRETB) €507,500 €2,537,500 FET sector. The Kerry ETB (KETB) Devolved Capital Kildare & Wicklow ETB (KWETB) Louth & Meath ETB (LMETB) Allocation Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB (MSLETB) allows ETBs to City of Dublin ETB (CDETB) €580,000 €2,900,000 respond to the Cork ETB (CETB) most pressing Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) FET capital Limerick & Clare ETB (LCETB) needs within Waterford and Wexford ETB (WWETB) their respective Total 2025 Devolved Capital Allocation €8,047,500 regions.

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Providing caring, effective, innovative, flexible and inclusive pathways for all our students and learners, which are reflective of the diverse needs of our community.

Schools Further Education & Training Outdoor Education Music Education Youth Work

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARDS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACROSS THE BOARD IN LIMERICK AND CLARE The Education and Training Board plays a vital role across Limerick and Clare in the promotion of social inclusion, employment generation and socio-economic development, working in both a meaningful and engaging partnership with employers to develop a well-skilled economy by providing specific skills in areas where job opportunities exist.

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stablished in 2013 as one of 16 regional educational authorities across Ireland, the foundations of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board date back more than a century through the Athenaeum movement, technical instruction committees and the Vocational Education Committees.

Since then, the ETB has remained consistent in its provision of education at primary, post-primary and tertiary education levels; currently offering education and training to over 49,000 students and learners in the region. This includes three Community National Schools, 17 Community Colleges, 28 College of Further Education and Training (FET) campuses, as well as community education groups in almost 300 locations.

Its capacity, flexibility and responsiveness allow for the delivery of the highest levels of public service, thanks to its dedicated and committed 2,600 staff.

Students and learners are at the core of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and it remains committed to providing clear pathways to its education and training programmes, youth work and other services.

One of its strategic priorities is to work in partnership with major stakeholders in its administrative region including University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College and the Technological University of the Shannon (Midlands Midwest). This has many benefits including helping strengthen progression pathways into Third Level for ETB post-primary students and FET learners.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is continually evolving and adapting to the needs of the communities it serves in its region, offering hundreds of full and part-time FET learning pathways at its multi-campus College of Further Education and Training. In addition to being part of the delivery of the National Apprenticeship programme, the ETB provides traineeships, youth education and literacy services.

It is also committed to ensuring a co-ordinated approach across schools and FET to help meet the educational needs of children and adults. All learners are encouraged to ‘Find the Best’ in themselves through the exploration of the many different pathways on offer through FET. They are then provided with the tools to prepare for the realities of the everchanging and highly competitive national and global workplace.

The ETB in Limerick and Clare is also committed to providing all students in its Community National Schools and Community Colleges with an enhanced curriculum designed to help them to achieve their educational goals. This is further supported by excellent outdoor education and music initiatives designed to nurture their development. Students are encouraged to discover and then develop their passions as they study music, learn instruments and explore outdoor education and activities.

Music Education is provided by the ETB through Limerick School of Music, the largest of its kind in the region, as well as 83

Apprenticeship Careers Showcase, November 2024

Launch of healthcareers.ie website at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh three Music Generation local music education partnerships in Music Generation Clare, Music Generation Limerick City and Music Generation Limerick County.

The ETB plays a vital role across Limerick and Clare promoting social inclusion, employment generation and socio-economic development. It works in a meaningful and engaging partnership with employers to develop a well-skilled economy by providing specific skills in areas where job opportunities exist.

An excellent example of this is the ETB’s Green Skills initiative, which includes a national centre of excellence for Retrofitting and Nearly-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) skills in Roxboro, Limerick City. The centre provides training to approximately 1,500 learners a year, helping with the government target of retrofitting 500,000 homes in Ireland by 2030.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board looks forward to building on its legacy of managing change over the past century by continuing to deliver a high quality and innovative approach to teaching and learning.

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ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL EV FLEET DEPLOYMENTS WITH INTEGRATED DATA The saying “not knowing what you don’t know” has never been truer than when considering the road transport sector’s transition to commercial electric vehicles (EVs). Operators have big decisions to make, but currently there’s a lack of institutional knowledge and independent support that is hindering their ability to make the first steps into this unknown, writes Leah O’Dwyer, CEO, ZeroMission.

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nly by gaining a complete picture from a fleet, facilities, service delivery and financial perspective will operators have the insight needed to achieve a successful roll-out and meet the required performance metrics.

As such, there will be a growing realisation that vehicles, charging infrastructure, schedules, power supply cannot be managed independently in isolation. Everything has a consequence within a commercial EV operation, so its about connecting these different aspects of a fleet together to gain a degree of confidence that you can get the job done.

Operating commercial EVs is not the same as diesel-powered vehicles and never will be. The problem is that side by side, the vehicles look the same, perform the same type of duty but operationally are a very different proposition. We are trying to replace a universally established and understood fuelling system with a much more challenging and complex ecosystem.

Much of what is currently known about running a commercial vehicle fleet will become less relevant with EVs or at least be superseded by other operational considerations. This means an alternative approach is needed to ensure that both the financial and environmental benefits of EVs are realised.

A crucial part of the journey will be the adoption of smart tools to ensure road transport operators achieve the day-to-day vehicle performance needed for financial and operational viability. Up until now, early adopters of commercial EVs have been looking at the vehicle and charger in isolation, while attempting to coordinate the schedule in the same way as before. This is a recipe for failure, because it’s important to understand the main parameters that contribute to the successful operation of an EV and how they influence each other.

Understanding the interdependencies between different

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systems will help to identify trends within a commercial EV operation. When should charging occur? When is the most efficient time to charge? What is the best type of vehicle to use? What is the impact of different routes, load impacts or driving conditions?

This added intelligence also becomes very useful for specifying and implementing the next roll-out of vehicles and infrastructure, while the information can be fed back into the system to finetune processes and target continuous improvements.

Moving forward, AI will enable vast amounts of data to be analysed and acted upon faster and more efficiently than ever before. Vehicles, charging stations, schedules, supply equipment, maintenance systems all generate huge volumes of data, which can be interrogated and analysed to generate valuable insights.

“Everything has a consequence within a commercial EV operation, so its about connecting these different aspects of a fleet together to gain a degree of confidence that you can get the job done” Commercial electric vehicle (EV) adoption will continue to gather pace as new types and models – across vans and HGVs – become available. This rapidly changing landscape is being driven by an ambitious legislative roadmap for decarbonising commercial vehicles within the EU. This coming transition will be a major change for the road transport sector, but not insurmountable, especially through use of smart tools and integrated data.

LAMA Awards 2025

LOWDOWN ON LAMA AWARD WINNERS FOR 2025 This year’s LAMA’s All-Ireland Community and Council Awards once again recognised and celebrated local authorities and their communities working together, across categories ranging from community, economic development and infrastructure initiatives to collaboration, leadership and environmental schemes.

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he LAMA Community and Council Awards, sponsored

by IPB Insurance, serve to showcase the potential of local level community volunteerism when it is fostered and championed. The LAMA Awards are the benchmark for excellence and serve to recognise and celebrate the councils and communities working together.

Now in its 19th year, the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards for 2025 were presented by LAMA (Local Authority Members’ Association) and IPB Insurance, at Cork’s Rochestown Park Hotel on 22 February.

Award categories ranged from community, economic development and infrastructure initiatives to collaboration/ leadership and environmental schemes. Growing year by year in stature, the 2025 awards attracted a record 311 nominations from across the 31 councils, subsequently whittled down to 137 shortlisted projects across the 25 categories.

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS Highlights of this year’s awards ceremony saw Fingal County Council taking home a total of six awards, including the Grand Prix Award (for the second consecutive year, for having the most shortlisted and winning projects combined over an aggregate score).

Fingal’s five category awards wins were for ‘Best Social Enterprise of the Year’ (Biodiversity Improvements at St Ita’s wetland in Portrane), ‘Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning’ (Portrane Avenue), ‘Best CSR Project in a Community’ (Project EcoCore), ‘Best Micro Start-Up’ (PRM Assist) and ‘Best Mental Health Initiative’ for Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Map. Donegal County Council won the overall ‘Council of the Year’ in addition to two category awards. Donegal won the ‘Best Communications Initiative’ category for showcasing the county’s identity, fostering community engagement, and driving economic growth with the #Love Donegal 2024 Campaign. The ‘Best Business Working with the Community’ category award was in recognition of ‘Spraoi agus Spórt’ – a social enterprise in Carndonagh which reinvests its profits to strengthen the local community and stimulate economic growth South Dublin County Council also scored a hat-trick, winning the National Impact Award for ‘Clonburris: A Transformative Vision and a Model for Sustainable Urban Development’. It also won the ‘Local

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh, and Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly with the Fingal County Council delegation, after winning six LAMA awards, including the Grand Prix Award.

The Southern Regional Assembly (SRA), Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) and Eastern & Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) sponsored the ‘Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning’ category, awarded to Fingal County Council for the Portrane Avenue project. Assembly members (l-r): SRA’s Kevin Lynch and Padraig O’Shea, EMRA’s Anne-Marie Wood Wolfe and NWRA’s Gerry Doyle.

Authority Energy Decarbonisation’ award in recognition of the Heatworks District Heating Scheme, while South Dublin volunteer Bernie Roche was voted ‘Community Volunteer of the Year’.

Other awards included the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award 2024’ presented to Ann Doherty, former Chief Executive of Cork City Council, while the ‘Best Irish Festival’ went to Mayo County Council for the council’s annual ‘Mayo Day’ celebrations, and the ‘Best Community Wellbeing Initiative’ was won by the County Carlow Farmer Wellbeing Group LAMA Chair Cllr Damien Ryan noted that each one of the local authorities “wholeheartedly” supported the LAMA awards, adding that the standard of entries had gone from strength-to-strength year on year. He said they [the awards] were “a fantastic opportunity to recognise and appreciate the excellent work and commitment of people right across the country who have a deep-rooted sense of pride and appreciation for their respective communities”.

Pictured at the announcement of the 2025 awards at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork (l-r): John Hogan, Chairman of IPB Insurance, LAMA’s Chair Cllr Damien Ryan, Cork’s Cllr Terry Shannon, and LAMA General Secretary Brian Lawlor.

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LAMA Awards 2025

2025 LAMA ALL-IRELAND Community and Council Award Winners: CATEGORY

WINNER

Best Irish Festival

Mayo Day – Mayo

Best Green Sustainable Initiative

Ardee Green Care & Repair Programme – Louth

Best Mental Health Initiative

Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Map – Fingal

Community Volunteer of the Year

Bernie Roche – South Dublin

Best Community Transport Initiative

Just 1 Life Road Safety – Wexford

Best Business Working with the Community

Spraoi agus Sport - Donegal

Local Authority Energy Decarbonisation Award

Heatworks District Heating Scheme – South Dublin

Best Enterprise & Start-Up Hub

AIM Centre – Sligo

Best Micro Start-Up

PRM Assist – Fingal

Best Irish Language Initiative

FLOSC – Cork City

Best Town or Village Regeneration

The Junction-Ballinamore – Leitrim

Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning

Portrane Avenue – Fingal

Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland

Eglington Canal Active Travel Project – Galway City

Most Inclusive Project

Wicklow Travelers Urban Outdoor Programme – Wicklow

Best Communications Initiative/Innovation

#Love Donegal 2024 – Donegal

Best Tourism Initiative

Queen Maeve Square – Sligo

Best Energy Smart Initiative

Hybrid Power System for St Laurence Apartment & Library Construction Site – Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

Best Community Wellbeing Initiative

County Carlow Farmer Wellbeing – Carlow

Best CSR Project in a Community

Project EcoCore – Fingal

Best Social Enterprise of the Year

Property Marking Ireland Large: Biodiversity Improvements St Itas wetland, Portrane – Fingal

Best Environmental/Ecological Project/Initiative Award

Medium: Cobh Nature Based Solution Demonstrator Project – Cork County Education: Fish & Chips – Sustainably! - Galway County

National Impact Award

Clonburris: A Transformative Vision and a Model for Sustainable Urban Development – South Dublin

Council of the Year

Donegal County Council

Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

Ann Doherty – Cork City Council

Grand Prix Award

Fingal County Council

OVERALL AWARDS key projects undertaken and how they were implemented, in addition to how the success of each project was measured.

National Impact Award: A project which has had a positive effect upon the nation, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to an individual who, during their lifetime, has made an outstanding significance and contribution to their local community or county. This award will be decided by the judging panel.

Council of the Year Award: A local council which has gone above and beyond for the people of the community. It must have developed and be continuing to develop a range of innovative projects and initiatives which improve and enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects of community lives. County councils with the highest number of finalists over all the categories are invited to outline their

Grand Prix Award: Sponsored by IPB Insurance, this award recognises a council that has had the most shortlisted nominations and winners at the 2024 Ceremony. This is the highest aggregate award for continuous high standards.

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LAMA Awards 2025

DONEGAL WINS ‘COUNCIL OF THE YEAR’ FOR 2025 Donegal County Council won the prestigious ‘Council of the Year’ Award for 2025 at the LAMA (Local Authority Members’ Association) All-Ireland Community and Council Awards, in addition to picking up two category awards for ‘Best Communications Initiative’ and ‘Best Business Working with the Community’.

Pictured following the presentation of the 'Council of the Year' award to Donegal on 22 February at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork (l-r): Cllr Jack Murray, Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Municipal District, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Margaret Fitzgerald, Donegal County Council's Healthy Donegal Co-ordinator, Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Chief Executive John McLaughlin, Garry Martin, Director of Service Economic Development, Information Systems and Emergency Services, Noelle Alcorn, Donegal County Council, Cllr John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh, Cathaoirleach of Glenties Municipal District, Cllr Liam Blaney, Donegal County Council and LAMA Representative, and Elaine Harley, Donegal's Executive Architect.

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he ‘Council of the Year’ LAMA Award follows in the footsteps of Donegal County Council’s success at the Chambers Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Awards in November 2024, when it won the overall ‘Local Authority of the Year Award’.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, representing Donegal County Council at the awards ceremony, along with Chief Executive John McLaughlin, council members and staff, said they were delighted to receive the accolade on behalf of the county.

"It reflects the relentless work that councillors and council staff do day in and day out for the people of our community, developing innovative projects and initiatives to improve and enhance the social environmental, cultural and economic aspects of community lives in Donegal. It was an honour to attend on the night and watch our county shine,” noted Cllr Kennedy.

Welcoming the award, Donegal Chief Executive John McLaughlin described it as “a great reflection” on the work of the Council.

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“It celebrates the unique and symbiotic relationship enjoyed by Donegal County Council and its communities and showcases how collaborative work between the Council, the community and volunteers create a better place to live and work. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team in Donegal, grateful for the support of our elected members and the work of our communities, volunteers and stakeholders.”

TWO CATEGORY AWARDS Donegal County Council also picked up two other LAMA awards. It topped the ‘Best Communications Initiative’ category for its approach to showcasing Donegal’s identity, fostering community engagement, and driving economic growth with the ‘Love Donegal Campaign’.

The ‘Best Business Working with the Community’ category was in recognition of ‘Spraoi agus Spórt’ – a social enterprise in Carndonagh which reinvests its profits to strengthen the local community and stimulate economic growth. The Council was also shortlisted in a further six categories.

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LAMA Awards 2025

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL SCOOPS TWO PRESTIGIOUS LAMA AWARDS Sligo County Council has been honoured with two national accolades at the 2025 LAMA All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, having topped the ‘Best Enterprise & Start-Up Hub’ category and the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ category in recognition of its outstanding contributions to enterprise development and tourism.

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ligo County Council topped the ‘Best Enterprise & Start-Up Hub’ category for the AIM (Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing) Centre and the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ category for Queen Maeve Square, at this year’s awards ceremony in Cork on 22 February.

Additionally, the Council was also short-listed in the ‘Best Irish Language Initiative’ category for Stair Shráideanna Shligigh (History behind Sligo’s streetnames) underscoring its commitment to cultural and community enrichment.

According to Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, the awards reflect the council’s commitment to fostering innovation, celebrating heritage, and empowering communities.

The AIM Centre is located within in the former Sligo Fire Station.

The centre opened its doors in February 2024 to empower enterprises to embrace Industry 4.0 and 5.0, through a collaborative ecosystem that supports up to 80 innovators.

Key services include its AIM Advisory programme, offering tailored mentorship for scaling businesses, the AIM Exchange (a platform fostering industry collaboration) and AIM Talent, which cultivates expertise in robotics, IoT and AI. The AIM Centre recently announced funding of close to

Pictured at the presentation of the Best Enterprise & Start-up Hub Award (l-r): Cllr Damien Ryan, Mayo County Council & LAMA Chairperson; Joe Lowe, Head of Local Enterprise, Leitrim County Council; Cllr John Sheehan, Limerick City & County Council; Zainab Saleem, Advanced Manufacturing Systems Engineer at AIM Centre Sligo; Sligo County Council’s Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree, Chief Executive Martin Lydon, and Town Regeneration Officer Brían Flynn.

“The AIM Centre and Queen Maeve Square exemplify Sligo’s dynamic spirit, and we are equally proud of our Irish language nomination, which highlights our dedication to the promotion and preservation of our language,” he noted.

AIM CENTRE: Driving Digital Innovation in Manufacturing The AIM Centre is a pioneering innovation hub dedicated to advancing manufacturing processes and supply chains for businesses and students. Established through a collaborative partnership between Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo County Council, Leitrim County Council and Enterprise Ireland, the centre aims to position the region at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.

Pictured at the presentation of the Best Tourism Initiative Award (l-r): Cllr Damien Ryan, Mayo County Council & LAMA Chairperson; Mary Houlihan, Fáilte Ireland; Sligo County Council’s Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Edel Mhic Amhlaidh, Oifigeach Cumarsáide & Gaeilge, Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree, Town Regeneration Officer Brían Flynn, Cllr Paul Taylor, LAMA Board Member, and Director of Services Jim Molloy.

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LAMA Awards 2025

€1m to build the National AI Studio for Manufacturing, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower manufacturing SMEs across Ireland.

Co-funded by the Government and the EU through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27 and Enterprise Ireland, the initiative will showcase the transformative power of AI and automation technologies, making them accessible and actionable for SMEs. The centre also features state-of-the-art event spaces, making it an ideal location for industry conferences, training sessions, and networking events. As part of the Connected Hubs network, it provides modern, flexible working spaces fostering collaboration and innovation among professionals and businesses.

The iconic SLIGO sign, unveiled at the official opening in May 2024, has become a focal point for Queen Maeve Square, providing the perfect photo opportunities for visitors, in addition to raising the profile of the square and Sligo to audiences far and wide.

The Sligo sign is now a focal point for Queen Maeve Square.

QUEEN MAEVE SQUARE: Catalyst for Tourism and Community Developed through a pioneering partnership between Sligo County Council and Sligo Business Improvement District, and Fáilte Ireland, Queen Maeve Square has transformed into a cornerstone of Sligo Town’s cultural and economic vitality.

Officially opened on 3 May 2024 by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, Queen Maeve Square has been embraced by the local community and delivers a positive impact on the local economy.

Named after the legendary warrior queen, the square blends historical reverence with modern design, offering a vibrant public space along the Wild Atlantic Way. Designed as both an award-winning event venue and a welcoming gathering spot, it hosts festivals, markets and performances year-round, driving tourism and fostering community connection.

Since it was first opened the square has boosted footfall by 40%, revitalising local businesses and establishing Sligo Town as a must-visit destination for social and cultural engagement.

Located on the banks of the Garavogue River, this €4m investment by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Sligo County Council has transformed a town centre car park into an attractive and flexible multi-purpose performance and events space, which has a standing capacity for 4,700 people.

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Sligo Shortlisted for Best Irish Language Initiative Sligo County Council’s nomination for Stair Shráideanna Shligigh (History of the Streets of Sligo) reflects its dedication to preserving the Irish language. Launched during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024, the initiative featured guided tours led by historian Dr Seosamh Ó Muirí, where participants explored the Sligo’s street names through Irish.

The project bridged language and heritage, offering a platform for conversational practice and community bonding. Its success has inspired ongoing Irish-language events, including Ciorcail Comhrá and Pop-Up Gaeltacht meet-ups, reinforcing Sligo’s commitment to language revitalisation.

Pictured at the presentation of the shortlisted award for the Best Irish Language Initiative (l-r): Sligo County Council’s Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Edel Mhic Amhlaidh, Oifigeach Cumarsáide & Gaeilge, Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Paul Taylor, LAMA Board Member, and Director of Services Jim Molloy.

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LAMA Awards 2025

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Scores Hat-Trick of Awards

South Dublin County Council scored a hat-trick at the LAMA Community & Council Awards for 2025, winning three category awards in recognition of its commitment to sustainable urban development, community wellbeing, environmental innovation and volunteering work.

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outh Dublin County Council (SDCC) was honoured with the National Impact Award for ‘Clonburris: A Transformative Vision and a Model for Sustainable Urban Development’. This project was lauded for its ambitious approach to sustainable urban planning, focusing on creating a vibrant, eco-friendly community for future generations.

SDCC also took home the Local Authority Energy Decarbonisation Award for the ‘Heatworks District Heating Scheme’, an innovative project designed to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in the region.

Meanwhile, South Dublin community volunteer Bernie Roche was named ‘Community Volunteer of the Year’ for her tireless efforts to improve the Community Volunteer of the Year Award – lives of those Deputy Mayor Cllr Aan Hayes and SDCC Cllr around her in Lynn McCrave accepted the award on behalf of her local area. community volunteer Bernie Roche.

Local Authority Energy Decarbonisation Award – Pictured (l-r): Cllr Damien Ryan, Chairperson LAMA; Cllr Brian Lawlor, LAMA General Secretary; Stephen O Flaherty, BDO; Teresa Walsh, SDCC’s Director of Services: Environment, Water and Climate Change; Cllr Alan Hayes, Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County; Cllr Lynn McCrave; Therese Pender, SDCC’s Senior Architect; Cllrs Caroline Brady, Liona O’ Toole and Ronan McMahon 95

National Impact Award – Pictured (l-r): Cllr Damien Ryan, LAMA Chairperson; Cllr Brian Lawlor, LAMA General Secretary; Cllr Alan Hayes, Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County; John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance; Michael McAdam, SDCC A/ Director of Land Use Planning and Transportation; Cllrs Liona O’ Toole and Lynn McCrave; Eoin Burke, SDCC Senior Planner; Cllrs Caroline Brady and Ronan McMahon.

Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Alan Hayes said that he was immensely proud of the innovative spirit and dedication demonstrated by staff and management in South Dublin County Council.

“It is also fitting that we recognise the huge dedication by community volunteers like Bernie Roche; these awards reflect our commitment to building a sustainable, thriving community for future generations,” Cllr Hayes added.

Colm Ward, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, said it was wonderful to see “this recognition on a national stage for transformative projects spearheaded by this council in urban development and energy decarbonisation as we seek to meet the needs and ambition of everyone in South Dublin now and in the future”. He thanked all staff members involved in the winning and shortlisted projects which, he noted, “reflect our ongoing vision to create greater opportunity for all in our county”.

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LAMA Awards 2025

SUCCESS FOR COUNTY GALWAY AT LAMA AWARDS A unique Galway Libraries project aimed at promoting community participation, social inclusion, and the protection of environment and heritage was named the ‘Best Environmental/Ecological Project’ at the LAMA (Local Authority Members’ Association) Community & Council Awards 2025.

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ominated by Galway County Council, ‘Fish and Chips – sustainably!’ adopted a multidisciplinary approach to cultivate and actively engage with enterprises, communities, voluntary sectors, third level institutes and the research community.

Galway Libraries developed programming that encompassed ‘Science from land to sea’ as the driving theme for programme delivery with workshops, interactiv e sessions, coding and VR experiences for children of all ages about the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution.

The outreach project also combined an EU-led expedition that involved ocean exploration led by the Tara Ocean Foundation and Tara Oceans Consortium with land-based mobile research units whose primary focus was on educational awareness and citizen engagement.

Three other local projects were shortlisted in separate categories in the 19th annual awards scheme. Leenane Development Association was shortlisted in the ‘Collaboration and Leadership’ category for the key role it has played in the development of the age-friendly Leenane Community Park, which features accessible walkways on a disused plot overlooking Killary Harbour.

Shortlisted in the ‘Best Mental Health’ category, Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes is a joint initiative of Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway City Partnership, Galway Rural Development and Galway Libraries.

Portumna-based Solar Structures was shortlisted in the ‘Best Micro Start-up’ category for its work to develop and implement innovative solutions for clients who want to install solar panels

which do not fit a ‘standard solution’ template.

The company commenced trading in 2022 following receipt of training, funding and business supports from Local Enterprise Office Galway. The company has since created six full-time and one parttime positions and plans further growth in the coming years.

Pictured (l-r): Meliosa McIntyre, Senior Executive Librarian, Galway County Council, Elizabeth Keane, Galway County and City Librarian; Cllr Martina Kinnane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway; and Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

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As part of the 'Fish and Chips – sustainably!' project, a 'Bee Bot' coding session is carried out with primary school children under the age of five to engage with ‘Bees’ and witness environmental changes that impacted their life cycles.

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LAMA Awards 2025

LEITRIM LIFTS LAMA AWARD For Town Regeneration Project

Leitrim County Council won 'Best Town Regeneration Project' for The Junction in Ballinamore at this year’s LAMA Awards. By restoring two protected buildings and a derelict site at the former Station House, the project both revitalises the area and offers a range of valuable resources and opportunities for the local community and surrounding areas.

It also provides a meeting space that can be booked by anyone in the community at an affordable rate.

‘The Junction’ now offers the following services to the community: 1. Digital Hub/Enterprise Centre (Junction Hub) provides co-working and remote working facilities, fostering a contemporary and productive environment. It supports local businesses by creating opportunities for training, employment, and collaboration.

4. Ballinamore Greenway Park Run is organised by volunteers and encourages physical activity and social engagement within the community. The fun and free event is an inclusive initiative for people of all ages.

2. Arts Space (Leitrim School of Art) serves as a platform for the arts, helping to develop the creative sector in Ballinamore and the surrounding areas. It provides opportunities for artistic expression and growth within the community.

3. Youth Facility (Stáisiún Óige-North Connaught Youth Services) is designed for young people to relax, socialize, and create. It serves as a central hub for youth services, offering support and opportunities for personal development.

brings lasting benefits to the area, creating a vibrant and dynamic space that serves multiple purposes for different age groups and interests.

5. Public Open Space: The transformation of the former railyard into a public open space provides a recreational area that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The addition of landscaping adds aesthetic value and further enhances the community's public realm.

This project showcases how collaboration between Leitrim County Council and the local community can result in a project that

Pictured at the presentation of the LAMA Award to Leitrim County Council (l-r): Sean McGowan; Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community & Cultural Services; Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn; Cllr Mary Bohn; Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive; and Joe Lowe, Head of Local Enterprise.

THE JUNCTION: A MULTIPURPOSE, COMMUNITY, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC CENTRE

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To avail of any of these services, please see contact details below: The Junction Hub / Digital Hub / Enterprise Centre Phone: 071-9616275 Email: reception@thejunctionhub.ie Website: www.thejunctionhub.ie Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (9am-5pm)

Leitrim School of Art Phone: 087-2045577 Email: denise@leitrimartschool.ie Stáisiún Óige-North Connaught Youth Services (Youth Facility) Phone: 071-9144150 Email: paultolan@ncycs.ie

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Northern Ireland News

NILGA CELEBRATES LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD WINNERS FOR 2025

The presentation of the 2025 Local Government Awards to councils across Northern Ireland marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils and served to highlight the evolving role of councillors in delivering for their communities and the wider region.

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he awards scheme, co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), has been designed to celebrate efforts of councils in their local communities. The awards serve to highlight the innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councillors, local government staff, and local government partners.

The ten award categories for 2025 focused on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils demonstrate daily, while creating opportunities for local government staff and elected members to shine.

NILGA President Cllr Alison Bennington stated, “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve, while also supporting broader government and civic initiatives. Our councils undertake valuable work and dedicate time and resources to modernise and improve their areas for local communities, businesses, and visitors, as well as for wider government and civic society.

“The Local Government Awards are a testament to these services and provide benchmarks for broader government and offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts. We can improve by learning from the best, which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils.”

CENTRAL ROLE OF COUNCILS Celebrating a ‘Decade of Achievement’ for councils in Northern Ireland, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pointed to the central role played by councils in delivering a wide range of services and helping to develop and grow the local economy.

“Councils have made significant progress, taking on planning responsibilities, introducing Community Planning, and working in partnership with central government to develop and deliver City and Growth Deals. This has brought decision-making closer to local communities, ensuring services are tailored to meet specific needs.

“Local councils have also driven economic regeneration by partnering with businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting tourism. Initiatives like ‘Labour Market Partnerships’ and the £1 billion investment in ‘City and Growth Deals’ are creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship and enhancing connectivity.”

Local Government Awards host Barra Best and Cllr Alison Bennington, NILGA President at the awards presentation at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, Co. Down on 27 March.

2025 CATEGORY AWARDS AND THE WINNERS * Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award: Food Heartland – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council * Service Innovation & Improvement Award: The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service – Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council * Best Use of Data & Technology Award: Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service – Belfast City Council * Engaging Communities Award: Belfast 2024 Programme – Belfast City Council * Collaborative Partnership Award: Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster – Mid Ulster District Council * Local Government Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Autism Friendly Borough Initiative – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council * Communications Campaign of the Year Award: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 – Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council * Best Initiative by a Councillor Award: Councillor Cadogan Enright – Green Economy – Newry Mourne and Down District Council * Employee of the Year Award: Deirdre O’Connor, AntiPoverty Officer – Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Cllr Alison Bennington, NILGA President, pictured with council mayors and chairs from across Northern Ireland.

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* Innovative Planning for the Future Award: ABC Place Plans – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

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National Census Mapping

RESEARCH TEAM MAPS OUT IRELAND’S First National Census Atlas Planners, policymakers and local authorities are now able to get a detailed view of economic and social trends emerging across the country thanks to the National Census Atlas – a new visual mapping tool, developed by the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University in collaboration with Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies.

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reland is the first country to develop a comprehensive national mapping resource of this type. Unique in its scope and detail, the National Census Atlas now positions Ireland as an example of international best practice.

This innovative approach will serve to highlight this country’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and inclusive planning.

A key advancement is the ability to allow local authorities to develop their own maps tailored to their own counties, cities and towns, local electoral areas and municipal districts.

This feature will empower local authorities and elected members to better understand and respond to the unique needs of their communities and help advance regional development.

The National Census Atlas offers detailed mapping data on local neighbourhoods for informed decision making at local level.

David Kelly, SRA Director of; Clare Bannon, EMRA Director; Minister Peter Burke TD; Denis Kelly, NWRA Director, and AIRO Director Justin Gleeson at the launch of the National Census Atlas in Athlone on 6 February.

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The census map, which is expected to result in better planning and policy formulation, will provide a view of over 200 social, economic and environmental indicators at neighbourhood level across the country.

It will enable users to explore a wealth of data in an accessible and interactive format, ranging from housing trends and employment statistics to environmental factors and population changes. The atlas is based on data from the CSO Census 2022 results. For example, the tool shows levels of population change over the last 20 years, highlighting areas of major population growth alongside regions experiencing continual population decline.

It also gives insights into the clustering of employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and professional services. While primarily aimed at the planning sector, the atlas will

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National Census Mapping

For further information on the census mapping tool visit https://rdm.geohive.ie/

be used as a support tool for government departments and state bodies, local authorities and community groups.

It is also hoped that, in time, the tool will be used by secondary and thirdlevel students to provide insights and a better understanding of the social and economic characteristics of the country.

“A GROUNDBREAKING TOOL” On formally launching the National Census Atlas in Athlone in February, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD described it as “a groundbreaking tool” in providing access to key data.

“It will be instrumental in supporting

“This is a groundbreaking tool in providing access to key data. It will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking.

We’re the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice” Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD

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evidence-based policymaking. We’re the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice,” he added.

A new section on the Regional Development Monitor (RDM), dedicated to key Smart Specialisation Strategy indicators, was also unveiled by Minister Burke. The Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard was developed in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

“This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths,” according to Minister Burke.

He described these new tools as “fantastic additions” to the Regional Development Monitor (RDM), which he had launched in November 2022, adding that this will be “crucial to future policy development”.

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National Census Mapping

DEMOCRATISING ACCESS TO KEY DATA Emphasising the significance of the initiative, Justin Gleeson, Director of AIRO at Maynooth University, said the atlas represents a major step forward in democratising access to data.

“By providing granular insights at the neighbourhood level, this tool empowers stakeholders across Ireland to identify needs, allocate resources effectively, and plan for a sustainable future. It is a fantastic example of public sector collaboration in Ireland and the use of publicly funded data collection initiatives,” he added.

The project was made possible through direction and funding from the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland – the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly.

Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, said the project highlights the power of collaboration in advancing regional development goals. “This initiative offers a new perspective on Ireland’s evolving social, economic, and environmental landscape. This tool is a great addition to the Regional Development Monitor, which has become a key resource for local and regional authorities in Ireland.”

Examples of the tool in use The National Census Atlas illustrates its potential to support current and future policy development for key social issues, such as….

• Population change: The tool shows levels of population change over the last twenty years, highlighting areas of major population growth alongside regions experiencing continual population decline.

• Household heating sources: The atlas details variations in household heating methods within and across counties, providing essential data for policies aimed at achieving a just transition from fossil fuels.

• Employment clustering: Insights into the clustering of employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and professional services can guide regional economic development strategies.

• Religious affiliation trends: The tool reveals differing trends in religious affiliation between urban and rural areas, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural shifts.

• Commuting patterns: Detailed data on commuting patterns to cities and large towns helps inform transport and infrastructure planning.

To view the National Census Atlas, visit https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/national-census-atlas

The atlas is based on data from the CSO Census 2022 results from housing trends and employment statistics to environmental factors and population changes.

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HARRIS MAXUS JOINS YAMAHA WORLDSBK FOR 2025 AND 2026 This year’s FIM Superbike World Championship is set to deliver a new chapter in motorsport collaboration as Harris MAXUS teams up with Yamaha’s WorldSBK Official Team for 2025 and 2026. Known for its dominance in the commercial vehicle sector, Harris MAXUS is stepping into the fast-paced world of superbike racing as a major partner.

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he partnership is as ambitious as it is symbolic. Harris 21 February at Phillip Island, Australia and concluding in MAXUS and Yamaha bring together expertise from October at Jerez, Spain. Harris MAXUS branding will feature two engineering powerhouses, combining cuttingprominently on Yamaha’s race machines, underscoring the edge technology with a shared ethos of innovation and significance of the alliance. performance. It is a bold move from Harris Group, aligning its “It’s always a pleasure to begin important new partnerships, growing automotive legacy with one of the most celebrated and even more so with such an innovative, yet well-established names in global motorsport. and trusted company as the Harris Group, promoting its The timing could not be more fitting. After a lacklustre MAXUS range of commercial vehicles,” according to Paul 2024 season, the WorldSBK team is preparing for redemption, Denning, Team Principal at Yamaha WorldSBK. spearheaded by six-time champion Jonathan Rea and his “With MAXUS already delivering impressive sales volumes teammate Andrea Locatelli. Yamaha’s engineers have been hard in the UK and Ireland, we look forward to helping the Harris at work refining the R1 WorldSBK, with expectations running Group further increase the awareness of MAXUS. We also look high for a competitive comeback. forward to engaging with MAXUS dealers and customers at WorldSBK remains one of the most thrilling motorsport various events during the 2025 season.” championships, pitting motorcycles against each other on While the collaboration is still in its infancy, its potential circuits across the globe. Yamaha’s re-entry to the series in 2016 is hard to ignore. For Harris MAXUS, it offers a platform to marked the beginning of a new era for the team, culminating in engage new audiences and showcase its innovation. For its 2021 “Triple Crown” victory of Riders’, Manufacturers’ and Yamaha, the backing of a commercial vehicle powerhouse adds Teams’ Champions. The addition of Harris MAXUS to the roster another layer of momentum in its quest for WorldSBK glory. is set to elevate its ambitions further.

This collaboration also reflects Harris MAXUS’s growing confidence as a global brand. Long established as a leader in commercial vehicle innovation, the move into the world of motorsport demonstrates a strategic pivot towards enhancing visibility and reputation on the international stage. For Harris, this partnership is about more than branding - it’s a signal of intent.

"We are thrilled to partner with Crescent and Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK Team, a global leader in innovation and success,” noted Brian Patterson, Group Managing Director at the Harris Group.

“This collaboration offers an incredible platform to showcase the MAXUS brand and connect with new audiences, highlighting our cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability. Seeing the Harris MAXUS identity on Yamaha’s race machines will be a proud moment and just the start of allowing Pictured at the announcement of Harris MAXUS partnerhip with Yamaha us to engage with fans and dealers worldwide. WorldSBK for 2025 at Harris Group HQ in Dublin (l-r): John Keogh, Managing Together, we look forward to achieving great Director, MAXUS (Ireland; Denise Harris, CEO, Harris Group; Brian Patterson, things both on and off the track,” he added.

Group Managing Director, Harris Group; and Jonathan Rea, six-time WorldSBK With the 2025 season starting on Champion and Yamaha WorldSBK Official Rider.

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Women In Politics

GENDER IMBALANCE AROUND IRELAND’S CABINET TABLE SET TO CONTINUE Ireland has come under scrutiny for its poor gender balance in government yet again, following the ministerial appointments under the new government.

With only three women appointed as Cabinet ministers and six serving as Ministers of State, the country continues to lag behind our European counterparts in gender representation.

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reland holds the worst gender balance among parliaments in Western Europe, with women making up only 25% of all TDs. This low ranking for gender balance highlights the slow progress compared to neighbouring countries, where nations such as Sweden, France and Spain have implemented policies that encourage greater female participation in politics, leading to more balanced governments.

Despite ongoing discussions about gender equality, the latest government formation reflects a significant underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.

The decrease in female Cabinet ministers signals a step backward in efforts to promote gender balance at the highest levels of decision-making.

The situation has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and opposition parties. Many argue that the new government failed to create a more inclusive political landscape, and that systemic barriers continue to prevent women from rising through the ranks.

Advocates for gender equality are now calling for concrete measures to improve representation, such as increased funding for female candidates, stronger gender

Members of the new Cabinet of the 35th Government of Ireland at Áras an Uachtaráin after their first meeting on 23 January (Pic: Merrion Street)

quotas, and cultural shifts within political parties. Without meaningful action, Ireland risks falling further behind in achieving equal political representation.

FAILING SECOND GENDER EQUALITY TEST Advocacy group Women for Election claimed the new Government failed to address gender balance at ministerial level, noting that the total number of women in ministerial positions has been reduced to nine (24%), whereas the outgoing Government had 10 women (29%).

“It is very disappointing again to see that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have not prioritised a gender balance among the Ministers of State appointed. With just six women out of the 23 Ministers of State, there is a reduction in percentage 111

terms from the last Government,” according to Aldagh McDonogh, Chair of Women for Election.

“The new government has failed their second test on gender equality with no increase in the number of women appointed as Ministers of State. The Government took these decisions despite the widespread negative reaction to and concern about the reduction of women ministers in Cabinet announced,” she added.

“Following the reduction in the number of women Ministers to three in the new 15-member Cabinet, and no change in the number of women Ministers for State appointed, there are serious questions to ask of this new Government about the rationale

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Women In Politics

The newly appointed Ministers of State pictured with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Tánaiste Simon Harris TD at Government Buildings. (Pic: Collins) of continuing to exclude women’s voices, expertise and lived experience from government decision-making levels,” McDonagh pointed out.

asking for a place at the table. We expect better from our political leaders,” concluded McDonogh.

“SUITABLY QUALIFIED WOMEN TDS” Despite the increase in the Minister of State roles to 23, the Government appointed just six women to junior ministerial positions – the same number as in the outgoing government.

Compared to the previous government, Fianna Fáil increased from two to three Ministers of State, Fine Gael reduced this from three to two women, while the Regional Independents Group appointed one woman. In percentage terms, women have been reduced to 26% Ministers of State in the new government compared to 30% in the previous Cabinet.

“The Taoiseach and Tánaiste had plenty of suitably qualified women TDs with expertise across a wide range of areas from which to choose their Ministers of State. As the previous government did, they could also have appointed Ministers of State from the Seanad by delaying a few days until the completion of the Seanad Election.”

This government now has a total of nine women in decisionmaking roles – 24% of all positions: three Cabinet Ministers and six Ministers of State. The previous administration had 10 women in these roles – four Cabinet Ministers and six Ministers of State, 29% of all Ministerial positions.

“It is vital for the health of our society, economy and democracy that women’s voices, expertise and experience are included at the tables where decisions are made that effect every person in Ireland. As women, we shouldn’t have to keep 113

LEADERSHIP IN POLITICS The National Women’s Council (NWC) expressed deep disappointment at the significant gender imbalance in the new government. Rachel Coyle, NWC’s Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, said that considering the decrease in the number of women at the Cabinet table “it’s disappointing that the Government only appointed six women as junior ministers amongst the record number of 23”.

With women making up over half of the population, she said that women’s voices and experiences are crucial for the functioning of Ireland’s democracy.

“We’re concerned about the message this gives on the commitment to women’s equality. It is even more important that the Government prioritises actions to promote the participation and representation of women in all aspects of society, including leadership in politics.

“This includes the development of and investment in a public system of childcare, the urgent adoption of gender quotas for local elections and addressing women’s income inequality, particularly for lone parents.”

Concluding that the two main Government parties must show leadership in addressing the gender imbalance within their organisations, Coyle pointed out that “this must go beyond just fulfilling the gender quota for election candidates and include nurturing a culture that supports and promotes women in their diversity within their parties”.

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Women In Politics

'SHE' CALLS FOR GREATER CO-OPTION PROCESS ACROSS COUNCILS See Her Elected (SHE) has called on political parties to “seize the opportunity presented by the General Election” to increase female representation in local councils through the co-option process.

SHE’s Programme Manager, Dr Michelle Maher said that by prioritising gender equity during co-option, parties can increase the number of female councillors and provide them with the incumbency advantage needed to boost their chances in future elections.

“See Her Elected has tracked the number of county councillors elected to Dáil Eireann and our data shows that 52 council seats around the country were vacated as a result of the General Election. This offers a golden opportunity to improve gender balance at local government level.,” she added.

The two parties with the lowest number of female councillors nationwide before the election were Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. These were also the two parties with the lowest number of female local election candidates.

“Only 21% of Fianna Fáil’s councillors are women, and 27% of Fine Gael’s councillors are women. We are especially calling on these two parties to ensure gender equity is to the fore in their co-option process so that women are co-opted into their newly vacated council seats. Political parties talk a good talk about supporting women in politics, but now is the time to walk the walk.

Dr Maher said that while the per centage number of female TDs has not increased by any significant margin, she pointed to the record numbers of women who had run in this year’s Local and General Elections.

“The record number of women (246) in the General Election represents a 52% increase on the numbers in the 2020 General Election. A record number of women (615) also ran as candidates in the 2024 Local Elections, accounting for 32.5% of the overall number of candidates. So, more women are now seeing politics as a possible career path.”

“As women, we shouldn’t have to keep asking for a place at the table. We expect better from our political leaders,” - Aldagh McDonogh, Chair of Women for Election

SHE’s Programme Manager, Dr Michelle Maher said that by prioritising gender equity during co-option, parties can increase the number of female councillors and provide them with the incumbency advantage needed to boost their chances in future elections.

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‘PLANNING IN NUMBERS’ A Five-Year Strategic Review The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has published ‘Planning in Numbers’ to provide a strategic review of key planning trends and outputs in Ireland over the last five years, and a comparison of patterns where figures are available for the 2019-2023 period.

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he OPR’s five-year review uses data from statistics published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and An Bord Pleanála (ABP).

This analysis focuses on key indicators related directly to functions such as forward planning; development management; planning appeals; planning enforcement, land activation, vacancy, legal challenges, and costs of operating local authority planning functions that

are presented in the previous series. In addition, some indicators are introduced related to resources and climate action.

This analysis of 2023 data indicates that Ireland’s planning system continues to perform statutory duties in the context of increased pressure. Data presented here reflects only part of the work of local authorities, who also undertake a significant

Residential units completed continued to increase in 2023, with the rate of apartments higher than housing schemes and single houses.

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volume of additional planning-related work such as development promotion, urban renewal and rural development.

“The figures for 2023 show that local authorities continued to concentrate their forward planning resources on preparing or completing their development plan reviews. The increase in the publications of issue papers for local area plans (LAPs) indicates that the local authorities have begun to focus on preparing detailed plans,” the OPR notes in its review.

RESOURCE CHALLENGES According to the OPR, “Planning, like other sectors, is experiencing resource challenges as well as looking to technological advances and related challenges and opportunities. The Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources is welcomed and will assist the sector. It is interesting to look across the five-year period.

“This provides clarity on consistent and varying trends and figures. In the context of balanced regional growth, the five-year pattern of granted permissions for houses and apartments between regional assembly areas may merit investigation. In recent years new online planning application systems have been

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OPR Planning Review

introduced in several local authorities. There may be value in investigating the level of invalid applications.”

The data shows the increasing cost of providing planning functions. While income from planning fees is increasing, this is at much lower rate. Planning fee income represents 17% of the overall cost of providing planning functions in 2022.

The review points out that all trends presented through different datasets need careful monitoring, while further consideration as the planning sector continues to evolve.

“Climate action is of growing importance, and planning-related actions are being adopted across the local authorities. Collating and utilising planning statistics related to climate action will be beneficial in supporting this vital work into the future.”

Moving towards the sixth year of collating annual figures, the OPR aims to provide these online to make an interactive resource available to support Ireland’s planning system.

In October 2024 over 3,935 climate action plans were adopted across local authorities, 262 of which were planning related.

• 2023 was the first year during the five-year period when judicial review cases were taken against An Bord Pleanála decreased.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FIVE-YEAR REVIEW: • The volume of public consultation processes related to statutory plan-making grew from 2021-2023, with 64 public consultation processes in 2023: 51 related to local area plans, with 13 related to city/county development plans.

• During 2023 valid planning applications decreased by 1,793 from the previous year, to 30,578. The national rate for invalid applications has increased since 2021, with the average in 2023 at its highest in the last five years.

• The national planning application grant rate remained consistently high, between 87.4% and 89.2% over the fiveyear period.

• Planning applications approved in 2023 totalled 24,448.

• In 2023, 41,225 residential units were granted planning permission compared 34,177 for the previous year.

• One-off houses granted permission decreased from 6,924 in 2022 to 5,032 in 2023.

• Residential units completed continued to increase in 2023, with the rate of apartments higher than housing schemes and single houses.

• A requirement for over 500 technical and non-technical posts in local authority planning departments was identified in 2022 by the Local Government Management Agency, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The implementation of the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources published in September 2024 will assist the sector.

• Data for 2023 show the increasing cost of providing statutory planning functions by local authorities with a low level of income through planning fees.

• Planning enforcement cases investigated by local authorities decreased to 6,783 from 6,959 during 2023.

• There was a small drop in derelict residential properties from 22,279 to 21,947 for 2023.

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• A preliminary analysis of Climate Action Plan actions undertaken by the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) in October 2024 shows that over 3,935 actions were adopted across local authorities, 262 of which were planning related.

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Leading the way in wind energy generation during 2023, Kerry produced 1,664 GWh of energy, followed by Cork (1,421 GWh), Tipperary (890 GWh), Galway (833 GWh) closely followed by Mayo (829 GWh) and finally Donegal (711 GWh). For context, one gigawatt-hour (GWh) equals the power consumed annually by approximately 230 Irish families.

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energy transition. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, explained that the platform empowers communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to better understand and appreciate the substantial contributions each county is making toward our national renewable energy goals.

NEED FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENT “It also highlights the significant economic benefits associated with wind energy generation, such as county council rates and community benefit funds.” As Ireland works toward achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030, Cunniffe emphasised the need for continued investment and supportive policies to sustain momentum in the wind energy sector.”

Cunniffe noted that Wind Energy Ireland has made significant progress in their wind energy journey. “Counties that have contributed so much to Ireland’s wind energy output should be proud of their achievements. However, we still have a long way to go.

“The County Colours Dashboard shows notable variance in wind energy output across the 26 counties. While some counties generate significant amounts of energy, others are yet to develop wind projects. So, there’s tremendous opportunity for more counties to contribute to Ireland’s clean energy future and benefit from the associated economic opportunities.

“Not only does this mean cleaner, more secure, and cheaper energy for the people of Ireland, but history also shows that energy abundance drives prosperity at the local level.” He said that Wind Energy Ireland remains committed to collaborating with communities, policymakers and industry partners to deliver more wind farms and ensure an affordable, resilient and sustainable energy future for everyone.

Top Six Wind Energy Generators in 2023 • Kerry – 1,664 GWh

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Local Governmnent Awards

LOWDOWN ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD Winners For 2024 Donegal County Council was named the ‘Local Authority of the Year’ for 2024 and also won two of the 15 category awards, presented at the 21st Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards ceremony in November 2024.

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irst presented in 2004, the ELG Awards are hosted by Chambers Ireland in partnership with the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage to showcase the best practice in local government across Ireland.

Margaret Considine, President Chambers Ireland, congratulated Donegal County Council on winning the Local Authority of the Year award, all the category winners, shortlisted organisations and the people behind all of these projects.

“Donegal County Council is the well-deserved winner of the overall award, having shown engagement across the different facets of the Donegal community, and with the development and sustainability of Donegal’s localities and environment, to achieve this accolade.

“For their commitment to serving their community and raising their area’s profile nationally as a stand-out destination, Donegal County Council deserves to be commended and has earned the award title of Local Authority of the Year.”

POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT She said that local authorities continue to make substantial efforts across multiple areas of Irish society with wide-ranging

positive impacts for local communities and the local economy; the Local Government Awards serve as the platform to highlight the irreplaceable value that results.

John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, described winning the award as “a great reflection on the work of the council” and pointed to the ambitious approach taken by the council over the last number of years across a range of areas.

“This includes investments in economic and enterprise development, housing capital build, roads, greenways, active travel, urban and rural regeneration, climate action, social inclusion and community development, in addition to an extensive cultural development programme.

“It also speaks to the innovation and creativity of our members and staff and to the collaborative approach that we take by working with a whole range of partners and stakeholders in delivering various projects and initiatives”.

TJ Hunter, Senior Director, Development & Operations Ireland of Orsted (overall awards sponsor) also congratulated the staff and executive of Donegal County Council for what he described as “this wonderful achievement”.

Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot and President Margaret Considine with John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council; and Brian Harrington, Head of Project Development, Onshore, Ireland and UK at Ørsted at the presentation of the Local Authority of the Year Award for 2024.

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Local Governmnent Awards

CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS: Fifteen category awards were presented – individual awards were sponsored by European Recycling Platform (ERP), Office of the Planning Regulator, Healthy Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Submit. com, IPB Insurance and EirGrid.

Age Friendly Initiative Kildare County Council – Ballymore Eustace as an Age Friendly Climate Friendly Village Climate Change Fingal County Council – Wildfire Management Howth Head Communications Galway City Council – Galway City Your Council Podcast Diversity & Inclusion Limerick City & County Council – Limerick Migrant Integration Forum Urban Revival Waterford City & County Council – Reviving urban living by reducing property vacancy & dereliction in Waterford Festival of the Year Limerick City & County Council – Riverfest Limerick 2024 Health and Wellbeing Donegal County Council – Model Beach Accessibility to improve Health and Wellbeing – A Strategic Approach Heritage and Built Environment Dublin City Council – 14 Henrietta Street Municipal Districts Initiative Wexford County Council – The Emigrant Park. New Ross Local Authority Innovation Limerick City & County Council – Living again: Vacancy, Dereliction and Reuse initiative Promoting Economic Development Dublin City Council – Community Wealth Building Dublin City Supporting Sustainable Communities Donegal County Council – Burtonport & Arranmore – Harbour to Island Regeneration Supporting Tourism Monaghan County Council – Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity Cork City Council – Enhance Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog to create an ecological visitor attraction Sustaining the Arts Galway City Council – Reflections – A Commemoration of the Irish Women of 1923

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FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

PEAK PERFORMANCE BY GUARDIANS OF HOWTH

Wins Climate Action Award Fingal County Council’s wildfire management project on Howth Head, which saw the return of the Old Irish Goats in the delivery of a sustainable solution to maintain and sustain the landscape on the headland, topped the Climate Action category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024.

The Old Irish Goats are a hearty firefighting squad that were praised as “ecological stewards of the scenic headland”.

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his unique biodiversity project, led by Kevin Halpenny, Hans Visser and Deirdre O’Farrell from the Parks & Green Infrastructure Division within Fingal’s Department of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, came about following wildfires in Howth Head a few years ago.

A collaboration between the council, Dublin Fire Brigade, the Howth Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO) Committee, and the Old Irish Goat Society, the initiative sought to harness the natural grazing habits of these heritage animals to manage vegetation in a sustainable, cost-effective manner. It also served to maintain five kilometres of strategic wildfire breaks near residential areas to reduce the immediate risk to homes.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh said: "Our Howth goats are absolute firefighting stars for the crucial work they play in maintaining the health and beauty of the headland. They've gone from strength to strength since they were re-introduced and are an

integral part of what we're doing to deliver a more economical and sustainable solution to managing the wonderful landscape.”

Fingal’s Senior Biodiversity Officer, Hans Visser, said: “Howth has been plagued by wildfires over the last 50 years or so. We wanted to come up with a more proactive way of dealing with potential outbreaks that wasn’t reliant on mechanical interventions, as well as doing so in a way that would help avoid damage to the landscape. By reinstating grazing with goats, we hoped that it would help restore the heathland and reduce the wildfire risk on Howth. The results have been incredible.”

Beyond their firefighting prowess, the goats have seamlessly integrated into the Howth community, thanks in part to innovative Norwegian no-fence technology. Each goat wears a digital collar that establishes invisible grazing boundaries via GPS, eliminating the need for physical fences and preserving the natural beauty of the landscape.

This technology has been both a success in managing the herd and providing a model for sustainable livestock management that could be replicated across Ireland.

SHORTLISTED IN SIX OTHER CATEGORIES Fingal County Council was also short-listed in six other categories: • Supporting Tourism: Fingal Cultural & Tourism TV • Communications: Virtual Reality for Libraries • Local Authority Innovation: Public / Private Retrofitting Scheme • Festival of the Year: Fingal Proms 2024 • Urban Revival: Restoring St Ita’s Historic Homes for Modern Use • Age Friendly Initiative: Vintage Picnic

The Climate Action award to Fingal County Council was presented to the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, and Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer.

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SOUTH DUBLIN’S AWARD-WINNING Parks and Public Realm Facilities

South Dubin County Council won recognition for its continued high standard of the delivery of parks, recreational facilities and the urban public realm, when it scooped six awards across multiple categories at the Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) Design Awards for 2024.

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he awards are presented by the Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) in recognition of excellence in design and delivery of landscape projects in Ireland.

Under the Built Project-Public Parks category, two of South Dublin County Council’s newly constructed parks – Airlie Park and Tandy’s Lane Park – situated in the north of the county, won the main award. Whitestown Stream Park in Tallaght was also Highly Commended in this category.

These three projects showcase how the parks are providing much needed facilities to local communities, encouraging healthier lives, while supporting biodiversity and improving the environment.

Whitestown Stream Park.

Tandy’s Lane Park in Adamstown.

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) also won the main award in the Landscape Planning category for its innovative Green Space Factor policy (part of the current County Development Plan). As part of SDCC’s Climate Change Plan, it has invested in a ‘Mini Woodland Programme’ to increase the county’s tree canopy cover. This has proven to be very popular with community groups and is actively combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity in the county and was Highly Commended under the Sustainability category.

Under the Heritage Landscapes category, SDCC’s recent upgrade of the landscape around Ely Arch and the creation of Ely Arch Park was also Highly Commended. A historical landmark, built in 1771 as an entrance to Rathfarnham Castle, Ely Arch has undergone significant improvements to enhance its surrounding landscape, making it more inviting for the local community.

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HERITAGE LANDSCAPES COMMENDATION Ely Arch is listed in the Record of Protected Structures and holds regional significance. Recent enhancements transformed the arch and removed railings and other visual clutter. The associated park has been turned into a multifunctional space, with a picnic area, boundary improvements, tree planting, and paved plaza and entry areas.

Marking the junction of the Dodder Greenway as it passes from SDCC into Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils, Ely Arch & Park serves as a fantastic local amenity and is envisioned to become a focal tourism destination along the Dodder Greenway.

SDCC was also High Commended under the Linear Landscapes category for the creation of the landscape corridor along the N81, which has seen a transformation of this important gateway into the county and upgrades the visual amenity of the county town.

South Dublin has partnered with design consultants DFLA for several significant public realm improvement schemes in the county. DFLA received the Public Realm/Civic Spaces Award, recognising the significant Public Realm Improvements completed at Tallaght Town Centre in 2024. DFLA were also Highly Commended for their design consultancy at Airlie Park, Adamstown.

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

were carefully designed by Nicholas de Jong Associates and efficiently constructed by Clonmel Enterprises Ltd.

Mini Woodland Community Planting Programme.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL ROUTES SDCC’s Active South Dublin Plan includes the provision of Greenways and other sustainable travel routes. Austen Landscape Architects won the ILI Award for Active Travel Routes for SDCC’s Dodder Greenway project, which has seen the completion of 8km of Greenway along the banks of the River Dodder, extending a network of accessible Greenways through the beautiful parklands of the county.

These awards represent the council’s continued commitment to investment in parks and open space provision, improving the amenity of the county, and providing recreational facilities for local communities.

In 2024, SDCC completed an €11.8m investment in the upgrade of three parks in the Tallaght area – the rejuvenation of Killinarden Park, Jobstown Park and an upgrade of the adjacent Whitestown Stream Park.

The three parks together form a linear sequence of parks through this neighbourhood, linking communities to shops, employment, schools and public transport networks along the new Whitestown Greenway. All three park upgrades

KILLINARDEN PARK SDCC’s major renovation of Killinarden Park followed an in-depth period of consultation with the local people living around the park. The new facilities include play spaces, exercise equipment, Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), skate facilities, upgraded sports pitches, accessible pathways, highquality entrances and plazas, improved signage and lighting, and ecological enhancements. The €6.8m redevelopment has revitalised this space as a community hub with the park becoming a new focus of community activity and interaction.

This project was also supported by Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, via Sports Capital Grant funding, for the pitch upgrades. It also received support from the National Transport Authority, with funding provided for a lit walking and cycling route, forming part of the new Whitestown Greenway.

SDCC Staff Members from Public Realm Team.

Once the final phase of the project is completed this year, 8km of a new Whitestown River Greenway, through the heart of Tallaght, will be linked to the longer Dodder Greenway providing mainly off-road walking and cycling routes through SDCC public parks, from the heart of South Dublin to the city centre.

JOBSTOWN PARK TRANSFORMATION The €2.5 million transformation of Jobstown Park includes focal entrances, a teen space, an outdoor callisthenics area, a pump track, a natural playground, a dog park, a footpath exercise loop, and a Cycle South Dublin link connecting to wider cycling infrastructure.

Biodiversity enhancements included planting 300 mature trees. The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive with the park full of new visitors. Future plans include upgrading two pitches and the existing MUGA, funded through a Sports Capital Grant, with works expected to occur in 2025.

Ely Arch Park in Rathfarnham.

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

GREEN FLAG AWARDS SDCC was also awarded Green Flag Awards during 2024 for five parks – Waterstown Park, Sean Walsh Park, Tymon Park, Corkagh Park, and Rathfarnham Castle Park.

These awards recognise high standards in park management, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Tymon Park and Waterstown Park were also highly commended in the 2024 All Ireland Pollinator Award.

SDCC expanded its meadowland programme in 2024 with over 190ha of grassland specially managed to provide enhanced support for biodiversity and to provide food for bees, butterflies and other insects. Tymon Park was one of just nine sites listed as Ireland’s Grasslands Trail in 2024.

For further information on SDCC’s award-winning parks visit: www.sdcc.ie/en/news/irish-landscape-institute-design-awards.html

Killinarden Park Upgrade Official Opening.

WHITESTOWN STREAM PARK Whitestown Stream Park represents a €2.5 million investment in community spaces. Once an under-utilised green area, the eight-acre park has been thoughtfully redesigned to foster stronger connections between people and nature.

The park upgrade is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a network of interconnected green spaces that promote pedestrian and cycle access, encourage biodiversity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The park now features improved entrances, new paving, bridges, signage, and a row of trees along the stream bank.

Exercise areas, seating, cycle routes and kick-around areas have been added, with dedicated spaces to support local biodiversity. Completed in May 2024, this project has had a positive impact on the local community.

New BMX pump track at Jobstown Park.

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The Grasslands Trail 2024 Booklet.

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GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL

AGE FRIENDLY TRANSPORT AWARD FOR GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL Galway County Council’s unique scheme designed to improve accessibility and user comfort at bus stops serving rural communities in the Gaeltacht won a national transport accolade at the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2024.

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reland’s top age friendly initiatives were recognised at the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2024, which have eight award categories aligned with the WHO (World Health Organisation) Age Friendly Themes.

Galway County Council was honoured to be named the overall winner of the Age Friendly Transport Award for its innovative project.

The award, sponsored by the Department of Transport, recognises that getting to where you want to go is very important to older people, and a vital difference can be made by good quality, easily accessible, user-friendly, and reliable transport options.

The project locations for these bus stops were Casla and Indreabhán, which were chosen as both are highly rural areas with a high proportion of older people. The locations for the bus stops were identified locally by staff working in partnership with elected members and local community and voluntary groups who had made representations.

HUB OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY This resulted in the land required for the bus shelters being dedicated to the local authority, with bus shelters placed at the hub of local community activity.

In Casla, the bus shelter is located adjacent to the post office, local shop, pharmacy and in close proximity to the Rehab and Brothers of Charity Adult Disability Centre.

In Indreabhán, the bus shelter is located at the local church

and funeral home, and adjacent to the local café, shop and community childcare centre. The local community engagement process also resulted in rotating the bus shelters 180 degrees to protect the users from the prevailing Atlantic gusts and rainfall, which would otherwise lead to an unpleasant experience waiting for the bus to arrive! As all design work was carried out in-house, all civil and construction works were also completed within six weeks.

The planning and siting of these bus shelters enables people with disabilities and older people to access nearby services, and the re-orienting of the shelters puts the user experience to the fore in these transport solutions.

This project supports older adults to reach their desired destinations safety and conveniently and helps them maintain independence and active engagement with their community.

In essence, it is completely in line with the ethos of the age friendly programme to enable people to ‘age in place’.

Rehabcare advocated on behalf of their service users for a bus shelter in Casla, and the personal stories of their service users were instrumental to the judging process for the Awards.

Therefore, it was fitting that Mary McGann Age Friendly Programme Manager, and Rachel Lowe, Senior Engineer Roads & Transportation Unit, revisited them to celebrate the win following the National Award Ceremony.

The works were facilitated through funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (to strengthen Municipal Districts) and from Galway County Council.

Pictured at the presentation of the Age Friendly Transport Award to Galway County Council (l-r): Garrett Doocey Department of Transport; Linda Potter Community Department; Mary McGann Age Friendly Programme Manager; Rachel Lowe Senior Engineer Roads & Transportation Unit; Ramona Burke Community Department; Anne Mitchell Galway County Older People’s Council; and Marty Whelan MC.

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GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL

INNOVATIVE ONLINE SOCIAL HOUSING SUPPLY AND DEMAND INTERACTIVE DASHBOARDS In a significant stride towards enhancing efficiency and modernising local government services, Galway County Council’s Housing Department, in collaboration with its IT Department, has successfully automated the development of its Online Social Housing Supply and Demand Interactive Dashboards.

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hese innovative dashboards empower users to filter various criteria to gather the necessary data, thereby eliminating the need for multiple reports for stakeholders.

This initiative aligns with the Digital Systems’ theme of the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030, which aims to revolutionise local government operations in Ireland.

By embracing technology solutions such as automation, digital portals, early warning alerts, and cybersecurity measures, local governments can significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately enhancing service delivery for citizens.

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping societies, this strategy stands as a cornerstone for modernising local government operations, envisioning a future where services are delivered with increased agility, better resource management and enhanced accessibility.

Both dashboards are completely interactive and can be filtered in many ways to get the required information. This information is updated daily. Multiple features may be selected by using the CTRL key on the keyboard and pressing the reset button for all new searches.

Objectives • Automate Manual Processes: Implement technology to perform tasks without human intervention, reducing the need for manual input and minimising errors.

• Enhance Efficiency: Streamline data collection and reporting processes to save time and resources.

• Improve Service Delivery: Utilise digital systems to provide more efficient, effective, and accessible services to citizens.

• Increase Transparency: Provide real-time data to stakeholders, enhancing transparency and accountability.

• Support Strategic Planning: Enable better resource management and strategic planning through accurate and timely data.

Goals • Develop Interactive Dashboards: Create and maintain Online Social Housing Supply and Demand Interactive Dashboards that allow users to filter various criteria to gather necessary data.

• Align with Digital Strategy 2030: Support the goals of the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 by integrating advanced technology solutions.

• Provide Real-Time Data: Ensure that the dashboards are updated daily to provide the most current information.

• Facilitate Stakeholder Access: Make housing data easily accessible to various stakeholders, including elected representatives, developers, and NGOs. • Expand Nationally: Explore the potential for scaling the dashboards to other local authorities using the iHouse management systems.

Highlights of Social Housing Supply Dashboard • Municipal District • Number of Bedrooms • Property Status • Letting Status • New/Casual Vacancy • Social Housing Type

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Highlights of Social Housing Demand Dashboard • Applicant’s area of choice • Number of bedrooms required by the applicant • Applicant's time on the waiting list • Basis of need of the applicant's household • Applicants currently accommodated via the HAP scheme

Impact and Benefits • Since the introduction of the dashboards, Galway County Council has not processed any requests for housing statistics, as all queries are now directed to the website.

• Live NOAC and Department KPI data is published daily providing up-to-date information.

• Middle and senior management in the Housing Unit now have access to daily statistics, enabling them to drive work programmes more efficiently, report more regularly, and plan strategically with greater effectiveness.

• Developers can access comprehensive information regarding housing demand, including the types and quantities of housing needed, to aid their planning and development processes.

• HSE, NGOs, and other stakeholders can better plan and target their support efforts by using the detailed and current data available.

• Elected representatives benefit from having accurate, up-to-date information on housing supply and demand readily available, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.

• Overall, the organisation is now more strategically focused on meeting the needs of its citizens and managing resources effectively.

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HEATING TECHNOLOGY

GRANT LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION Aerona R290 Heat Pump

Globally renowned heating technology manufacturer, Grant has launched its next generation air source heat pump – the Grant Aerona R290. Designed in Ireland, specifically for the Irish and UK climate, the new heat pump is already proving itself to be in another league in terms of innovation and efficiency and a significant addition to the Grant product portfolio.

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hroughout the research and development phase, Grant heavily invested in design and testing of the new heat pump range to ensure the technology is best suited for year-round climate conditions in Ireland and the UK. Innovative and aesthetically pleasing, the Aerona R290 mono bloc heat pump features five models - 4kW, 6.5kW, 9kW, 12kW and 16kW - all of which are available to order now.

It provides an even more environmentally friendly, low carbon heating solution for the next generation as it uses the energy efficient and natural R290 refrigerant, which has an incredibly low global warming potential of 3, signaling an important advancement in sustainable home heating.

The launch of this heat pump marks a significant development in sustainable home heating and within the company’s product portfolio, according to founder Stephen Grant. “The Aerona R290 comes as Grant celebrates 15 years in the heat pump market and is testament to our commitment to design highly efficient, reliable heating technologies which can make a real sustainable difference.”

Cleverly designed, taking both aesthetics and acoustics into consideration, the Grant Aerona R290 combines modern styling and sleek colorway with high performance. Featuring a durable, powder coated black casing, the heat pump’s appearance has been developed following extensive analysis of feedback from customers. The ultra-low noise levels of the units, which have achieved Quiet Mark (QM) accreditation, are the result of innovative sound-reducing features within the units including acoustic cotton sound insulation in the casing and anti-vibration feet.

Delivering exceptional performance levels, models within the range have an energy rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature) and their outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature. All models have been

Grant’s Aerona R290 12kW air to water air source heat pump.

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The Grant Aerona Smart Controller. tested to perform in extreme low and high temperatures with performance levels in terms of kW output consistent regardless of the climate and outside temperature, even at –3 degrees.

The Aerona R290 also features a built-in immersion and high capacity 9m head circulation pump.

Providing peace of mind, models within this range can be monitored and managed remotely, giving both installers and their customers full control of their heat pump system and providing offsite diagnostic support when required. Designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller, the Aerona R290 can be operated and managed with ease through straightforward set-up and commissioning, innovative control and support thereafter.

Barry Gorman, Grant’s National Renewables Sales Manager, said “The new products are welcome additions to our integrated heating package solutions offering. Together they will help to provide further choices and flexibility for design and installation of integrated heating systems, whilst providing the same quality and reliability our customers have come to expect from a Grant heating system.”

Grant’s in-house renewable technical specialists will also continue to provide their free of charge heating system and design specification support to installers, merchants, and their customers to ensure correct sizing of the new Aerona R290 heat pump as part of an integrated heating system. All Aerona R290 heat pumps will also be commissioned onsite by Grant at no extra charge. Just email house plans and choice of heat emitters (underfloor heating and/or radiators) to heatpump@grant.ie Think Heating. Think Grant.

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Local Governmnent Management

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT AGENCY APPOINTS NEW CEO The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has appointed Pauline Mulligan as its new Chief Executive Officer, and the former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment brings extensive strategic leadership and public administration experience to her new role.

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uring her time as Assistant Secretary at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Pauline Mulligan was on the Management Board since 2018.

Most recently she was Head of Indigenous Enterprise Development with responsibility for oversight of Enterprise Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, the nine Regional Enterprise Plans and support schemes for business run through the local authorities.

LGMA’s new CEO Pauline Mulligan has worked in policy, operations and corporate roles, including those across the civil and public service during Covid-19 and Brexit.

She has worked in policy, operations and corporate, including many roles collaborating across the civil and public service during Covid-19 and Brexit, in addition to leading the development of ‘Innovation 2020’. She also led a programme to embed innovation across the public service and was inaugural chair of the Public Service Innovation Advisory Board in 2021.

According to Paddy Mahon, Chair of the LGMA Board and Chief Executive of Longford County Council, “On foot of a lifetime of public service, Pauline brings a wealth of experience to this role, including a strong track record of leadership, innovation and strategic thinking.

Welcoming her on board the agency, Mahon said: “Her approach and energy will ensure that the LGMA continues to deliver a quality service to local authorities, prioritised on the development and promotion of best practice policies, systems and sectoral approaches to the business challenges they face”.

Following her appointment, Pauline Mulligan said: “The services provided by local authorities play a central role in the everyday lives of everyone living in this country. I look forward to leading the team at the LGMA to ensure that we continue to be a valued and trusted support for the local government sector, providing a shared centre of excellence in leading sectoral approaches to the development and expansion of exemplary local public services.”

The LGMA provides a range of professional services for and on behalf of local authorities; local authority chief executives; the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and other

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“On foot of a lifetime of public service, Pauline brings a wealth of experience to this role, including a strong track record of leadership, innovation and strategic thinking” – Paddy Mahon, Chair of the LGMA Board and Chief Executive of Longford County Council government departments.

The state agency works collaboratively with Ireland’s 31 local authorities to support the co-ordinated and costeffective delivery of local government services and policy. It also helps local authorities to enhance performance and to implement change, aligning expertise and driving innovation. For more information on the LGMA visit www.lgma.ie.

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Community Enterprise Research

RESEARCH REVEALS COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE SECTOR Worth €1.8 Billion Each Year New independent research by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) has revealed that community enterprise centres and hubs are worth €1.8 billion each year to the Irish economy, thereby highlighting their importance in the development of microbusinesses, SMEs and potential start-ups nationwide.

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he economic impact report by CEAI (the representative voice for the community enterprise and wider enterprise hub network) has analysed the economic contribution of Ireland’s community enterprise centres and hubs, their tenants and clients supported in rural and urban areas across the country.

According to CEAI Chief Executive Siobhán Finn, the report highlights the importance of community enterprise centres and enterprise hubs in growing micro-businesses, SMEs and High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) in every county in Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the report – CEAI Economic Assessment for the

Enterprise Centre & Hub Sector – she added that this contribution to regional economic development in rural and urban Ireland is hugely significant, as demonstrated by the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the sector valued at €1.8bn in 2023.

“The insights provided in this report highlight the sector’s significance and suggest the importance of continued investment and additional supports for the sector.”

SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT RETURNS The growth of the community enterprise sector has been underpinned by significant investment from Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment over 30 years as well

CEAI’s CEO Siobhán Finn pictured at the launch of the CEAI economic impact report on Ireland’s community enterprise sector.

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For more information visit w w w.communityenterprise.ie as recent funding through the Connected Hubs Network. With an estimated investment of more than €200 million in funding, the sector has delivered over nine-fold return on this investment.

Enterprise centres and hubs operate across all regions in Ireland, contributing to the building of thriving economies at local, regional and national levels. This is the first report to capture the impact of the sector on Ireland’s economic performance.

While the CEAI Report acknowledges the role played by volunteers in the enterprise centre and innovation hub sector, the report excludes the significant in-kind monetary value of the voluntary input invested in managing and directing enterprise centres and hubs around the country.

Multiplier rates for different sectors vary from 2.5 or 3 for very high tech and knowledge intensive sectors, the conservative impact multiplier of 1.7 was selected in this assessment of economic impact of the community enterprise sector.

The CEAI Research Report was conducted early last year by The Discovery Partnership with Community Engagement Partners and PMG Consult.

Work-Life Balance

STUDY SURVEYS IRELAND’S TOP TEN COUNTIES FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE Galway City © Mark Gusev | Dreamstime.com

To find the best counties in Ireland for the perfect work-life balance, a recent study by Switcher.ie (an independent and free comparison and switching service) researched the main essentials such as house prices, internet speeds, local services, transport, green spaces and leisure amenities.

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n 2024 a ‘Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Request Remote and Flexible Working’ was published to recognise the importance of family life and work-life balance.

The introduction of this code will have many positive impacts on the quality of life, including increasing the chances of renting or buying a home in more affordable locations.

The latest Switcher.ie Work Life Balance Index (WLBI) looks at counties across Ireland to find the top places to strike the perfect work-life balance.

According to the Commercial Director of Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke: “The Work-Life Balance Act 2023 and its Code of Practice have ushered in a new era of working arrangements for many employees. This means that workers with families or caregiving responsibilities can now seek remote or flexible work options, providing a better quality of life, and even financial benefits.”

Clarke points out that while property price is often a crucial factor for house buyers, he says that broadband and mobile connectivity, easy access to local amenities, and proximity to green spaces can make all the difference when juggling work with family or other commitments.

“Switcher’s research highlights several counties across Ireland that offer young professionals and working families a combination of affordability, an appealing way of life, and better than ever broadband and mobile connectivity for remote working.

“Our top performers spanned the country, with Galway and Sligo on the scenic west coast, Cork in the south, Roscommon and Westmeath in the heart of Ireland and Carlow and Dublin in the industrious east, to name just a few.

“So, if you're in the market for a new home, consider casting your net a little wider. While affordability and commute times are still essential for most house hunters, seek a location that 150

Work-Life Balance

2. Cork As runner-up for the most desirable county for work-life balance in Ireland, Cork blends city sophistication with the rural charms of market towns and picturesque villages. The city offers a thriving arts and culture scene, a renowned university and a bustling harbour. Beyond the city – with the rugged Beara Peninsula and the coastal cliffs – the county offers endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure. Cork offers excellent infrastructure with easy access to amenities in towns like Carrigaline, Kinsale and Mallow.

Eoin Clarke, Commercial Director. makes life easier, brings you and your family joy, and strikes the perfect work-life balance,” he concludes.

FACTORS RESEARCHED The study compared a range of the following factors across each county. The Work-Life Balance Index includes: • House prices • Broadband and mobile speeds • Proximity to leisure and sports facilities • Proximity to major roads and bus stops • Green spaces – public parks, national parks and coastlines • Cafés and coffee shops • Major supermarkets • Primary schools and GP surgeries • Crime rate TOP TEN WORK-LIFE BALANCE COUNTIES It was a close-run race for a place in the top ten best counties for work-life balance. Often the most expensive counties were the best served, but some smaller counties ranked highly for all sorts of factors, including access to local amenities or to affordable housing and green spaces.

1. Galway Taking the top spot in the study, Galway is the official winner for 2025. The lively harbour city of Galway has great 5G, superfast broadband, a vast array of places to eat and drink and good access to family services and transport. There’s a winning mix of leisure facilities, shops, cafes and plenty of green spaces across the county, with comparatively affordable housing and easy access to Ireland’s west coast.

3. Carlow Carlow offers a mix of rural tranquillity and urban convenience.

Located in the southeast, it’s set among rolling green hills, charming villages and a rich history. Affordable housing and excellent connectivity to Dublin and other major cities make Carlow an ideal location for a quieter lifestyle while maintaining easy access to local amenities and community services.

The town of Carlow is home to around 40% of Carlow’s population, while other small towns include Bagenalstown, Tullow, and Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch.

Carlow Town 4. Roscommon With castles, lakes and beautiful scenery steeped in a rich history, County Roscommon has good transport links and leisure facilities. It’s also one of the cheapest and safest counties to live in with low house prices and crime rates. Besides the county town of Roscommon, there’s the market towns of Boyle, nestled alongside the Curlew mountains, and Castlerea framed by the River Suck and beautiful woodland.

5. Westmeath In the heart of Ireland, Westmeath blends rural charm with industrious towns. Known for its iconic geographic features, including the Lough Ree, and Royal Canal, Westmeath villages dot the countryside, while the county towns of Athlone, the commercial capital of the Midlands and Mullingar serve as thriving hubs of commerce and culture. The county enjoys great connectivity to Dublin and other major cities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between a peaceful lifestyle and convenient access to urban amenities.

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Work-Life Balance

6. Sligo With long sandy beaches, this county on the northwest coast of Ireland enjoys a host of cafes and coffee shops, good access to health services, schools and decent fibre broadband. Although Sligo is by far the biggest town in the county, the smaller towns of Strandhill, Collooney and Tubbercurry are good coastal alternatives for a more affordable option.

Laois - The Rock of Dunamase 9. Mayo Situated on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, County Mayo is a land of dramatic landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture.

Home to much-loved Westport and family-friendly Castlebar and Ballina, Mayo’s mix of stunning scenery and safe, strong community give it a place in the top 10 and a top 5 place for working families. Mayo’s weakness was transport and telecoms, which performed less well than other counties.

Sligo 7. Dublin Home to the cosmopolitan capital Dublin City and surrounded by the ‘successor counties’ of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin, it unsurprisingly topped the tables for connectivity, transport links and facilities. Although the city performed well across many categories with easy access to green spaces and excellent local amenities, Dublin had the highest crime rates and some of the highest prices in the country.

Mayo - Clew Bay, Westport 10. Wicklow Although Wicklow is one of the most expensive counties in Ireland, its proximity to Dublin City, its coastal location, leisure facilities, and local amenities make it one of the standout counties for quality of life. The largest coastal towns of Arklow, Bray and Greystones offer plenty for young professionals and families with good schools, transport links and green spaces.

The most recent census shows that towns in Wicklow now have the highest populations working from home.

Dublin City 8. Laois Sometimes referred to as the Hidden Heartlands, this midlands county is home to the ancient Rock of Dunamase and the Slieve Bloom mountains. The county town of Portlaoise has a good selection of shops and restaurants, whilst Abbeyleix and Stradbally are vibrant heritage towns. One of the best places for fixed and mobile broadband, its accessible location, well served by transport links to Dublin, makes it one of the better places for work-life balance.

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Wicklow Switcher.ie is an independent, free comparison and switching service based in Ireland. For the full details of the Work-Life Balance Index visit https://switcher.ie/mortgages/bestcounties-work-life-balance/

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Liffey Cycle Route – New Dedicated Cycle Track From The Matt Talbot Bridge to the Aston Quay, Dublin City Centre.

Cairn built a dedicated 1.5km long cycle lane along the south quays for Dublin City Council Active Travel Dept.

Our highly skilled and experienced team is associated with the highest standard of workmanship and spare nothing when it comes to detail and quality finish.

If your project requires quality civil or stone works, contact Myles on 087 8375899 for a quotation Cairn Construction, Courtyard, Behan Square, Russell St. Dublin 1 Tel: 01 855 8611 Web: www.cairn.ie Email: info@cairn.ie

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EU Just Transition Fund

EU-FUNDED PROJECTS SHOWCASE SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS Five key projects under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF), which aim to drive innovation in carbon neutrality and transform the Midlands region, were showcased by the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) in collaboration with Technological University Shannon (TUS) Midlands Campus in Athlone, in December.

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he EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) aims to support the most negatively impacted regions and communities across Europe affected by the transition to climate neutrality by providing funding to enable sustainable innovation across the region.

In Ireland this programme focuses on the wider Midlands area and is co-funded by the Government and the European Union.

Lorna Walsh, Director of Research Support Services at TUS Midlands, Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, representative from DG REGIO (Department for Regional and Urban Policy) of the European Commission, and Terry Connolly, EMRA’s Programme Manager of the EU Just Transition Fund, welcomed attendees to the event on 4 December 2024.

The projects were showcased during a panel discussion, dubbed ‘Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands’.

Moderated by Bernie Roe, EMRA’s Assistant Director (EU Just Transition Fund and Corporate), the discussion featured five speakers who presented their own projects to reveal how they will impact the region, as follows: • Brendan Flanagan, Founder of Ethical Tours and EU JTF beneficiary, shared insights on sustainable tourism.

• Jennifer Payne, Business Development Manager, CycleUp Textiles, discussed the circular economy practices and community empowerment through textile upcycling.

• Stephen Napier, CEO of Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, explored the innovations in sustainable biotechnologies.

• Prof Neil Rowan, Lead Principal Investigator, Mount Lucas Circular Bioeconomy Aquaculture Initiative, presented advancements in circular aquaculture.

• Carmel Halligan, ReSHAPE, Programme Manager, highlighted TUS’s role in skills development for a low-carbon economy.

Pictured at the opening of the panel discussion at the Technological University Shannon (TUS) Midlands in Athlone, on the impact of the EU Just Transition Fund on the Midlands.

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES EMRA’s Programme Manager’s Terry Connolly said: “The EU Just Transition is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, harnessing our abilities in sustainable innovation and economic transformation.

“The event showcased how these projects both address climate neutrality and create meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and local communities to thrive in a greener future,” he added.

Lorna Walsh, Director of Research Support Services at TUS Midlands, noted that the panel showcased the “very best of

For more information on the EU Just Transition Fund visit www.emra.ie/eu-jtf/ 155

what the Midlands has to offer” in driving sustainable innovations across Ireland.

“Becoming carbon neutral is a tremendous task. The collective efforts demonstrated by our panellists and the EU JTF programme play their role in future-proofing Ireland’s economy. We are proud to support initiatives that align education, research and enterprise to advance sustainability and build resilient communities in the Midlands,” she pointed out.

The EU JTF covers the wider Midlands region, including counties Laois, Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Roscommon and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe in Galway, Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles in Tipperary, and Athy and Clane in Kildare.

According to Stéphanie GantzerHouzel, Programme Manager for the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland at DG REGIO, European Commission, “the EU JTF represents our commitment to support the Midlands area in transitioning from peat for electricity generation.

“Thanks to the fund, new jobs are being created in green sectors such as sustainable tourism and the bioeconomy, contributing to the economic diversification of the Midlands area. It is an opportunity for everyone who wants to contribute to a greener and stronger Midlands, and I encourage potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Regional Funding

DERELICT HERITAGE SITES SET TO ‘THRIVE’ UNDER SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING The second round of funding to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership will be made available through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes. The €85m in funding aims to revitalise urban centres, bring valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and deliver on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies.

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uilding on the success of the initial funding round in 2024, the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern Western Regional Assembly have opened the second call for applications under Strand 2 of THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

The funding call opened on 16 January with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore, and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres. With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide.

THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings, preserving their historical and cultural significance while creating vibrant and sustainable urban spaces. Heritage buildings are defined as structures with unique architectural, historical, archaeological, or artistic qualities, or those that hold cultural and economic significance to their locations.

VIBRANT TOWN HUBS Cllr Garret Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA), said: “THRIVE offers a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our communities by preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of our towns. By focusing on publicly owned buildings, this scheme ensures that restored spaces serve the needs of local citizens while respecting the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.”

Cllr Jarlath Mullaney, Cathaoirleach of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), highlighted the transformative potential of the THRIVE scheme. “By addressing vacancy and restoring our heritage buildings, we can turn town centres into vibrant hubs where people want to live, work, and visit. This funding represents a key step towards sustainable urban regeneration in our region,” he noted.

With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide. Heritage buildings are defined as structures with unique architectural, historical, archaeological, or artistic qualities, or those that hold cultural and economic significance to their locations.

Projects funded under THRIVE are required to embrace the values of the New European Bauhaus, incorporating sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The initiative also encourages a citizencentred, community-led approach to planning, design, and project selection within the Town Centre First framework.

FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY Announcing the latest round of funding, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage said it gave local authorities the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century.

Minister Darragh O’Brien added that it not only “preserves and protects these important heritage assets but also ensures their sustainable re-use for future generations”.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, had said that the scheme underscored the government’s commitment to tackling vacancy, promoting heritage-led regeneration, and delivering on the Town Centre First policy.

“The Town Centre First approach ensures that local authorities engage with their citizens in developing new plans to transform and celebrate these underutilised heritage buildings for the benefit of their communities, while breathing new life into towns and urban centres across the country,” according to Minister Alan Dillon.

This scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU through Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Southern, Eastern and Midlands Regional Programme 21-27 and Northern and Western Regional Programme 21-27.

The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and Pictured at the THRIVE funding announcement (l-r): SRA’s Director regional policy objectives.

David Kelly and Projects Officer Lisa Moran, Ministers Darragh O’Brien and Alan Dillon; NWRA’s Programme Executive Yvette For application guidelines and criteria visit Keating and Assistant Director Paddy Austin. www.southernassembly.ie and/or www.nwra.ie.

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Navan Town Scheme 2030, Contract No. 5

John Cradock Ltd. Head Office

Unit 5, Kilcullen Business Campus, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, R56 W244 T 045 484484 F 045 484485 E info@johncradock.ie W www.johncradock.ie Local Distributor Road (LDR4), Navan

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John Cradock Ltd. have operated in the Irish Construction Industry for over 30 years and have developed into one of the country’s leading Civil Engineering and Building Contractors, offering solutions to a wide variety of Clients, and delivering projects safely, co-operatively and to the highest quality

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Offering both consulting services and in-depth training, Antaris’ team has a strong reputation for high-quality service to clients in both the public and private sectors.

Client satisfaction is fundamental to Antaris’ continued success, and it is the cornerstone of the services its team offers. Antaris works diligently to ensure that its services exceed the expectations of clients through using formal project management techniques and ISO 9001 quality management processes in service delivery.

Contact Antaris Antaris, 5 Pery Square, Limerick, V94 EV1F, Ireland T: +353 61 953 100 W: www.antarisconsulting.com E: info@antarisconsulting.com