Welcome to All Things Ireland
All Things Ireland is the LGIU’s way of bringing you all the latest local government reports and updates from the week so far.
This week, LGIU Ireland published Cork County Council’s: A month in the life. Covering the topics of housing, infrastructure and climate action, this publication recaps the entire month of October, and you can read the full breakdown of what Cork County Council achieved here.
The week in Irish Local Government
Housing
The main news this week is the new Short Term Tourist Letting register. Established through new legislation, this aims to deliver on Housing for All objective to make more efficient use of existing housing. Read the full implications here.
The Report of the Market Surveillance of Construction Products produced from County Donegal Quarries evaluated the relevant economic operators’ (concrete block manufacturers and quarries producing aggregates for concrete), compliance with the Construction Products Regulation.
For more on short term lettings in Ireland, this LGIU Ireland briefing examines the existing controls in the planning code in Ireland and new arrangements to improve compliance with these and to facilitate enforcement of the rules by planning authorities.
Transport
€21 million in funding was announced under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 to support the airports of Shannon, Cork, Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. Read more about the funding here.
Environment
A second tranche was approved for the Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme (BALAMI) 2022 – 2023, bringing total funding for the Scheme to €55.3m for 164 projects around the Irish coast. Find the full list of projects here.
Health
This week saw the release of the annual 2022 Healthy Ireland Survey. An annual survey conducted with a representative sample of the population aged 15 and older living in Ireland, 82% of respondents perceiving their health as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Read the full breakdown for the 2022 survey here.
With Ireland’s population ageing trend, this LGIU Ireland briefing outlines the type of work being carried out by councils as part of the initiative and signposts some helpful resources for those looking to make their area more age-friendly.
Digital
Shared Island
Announcing the latest round of projects under the Shared Island initiative, the projects being developed include 3 from across the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with investment of over €15 million. Find the full list of projects here.
Society
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board received the green light to proceed to the next stage in developing a College of The Future (COTF).
Launching the North East Inner City Initiative 2022 Progress Report, Taoiseach Micheál Martin commended both the funding and work by Dublin City Council and the OPW for their recent work and effort. The North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative commenced in July 2016, when Government launched a major initiative for Dublin’s North East Inner City to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area and you can find the recent Progress Report here.
Announcing the largest redevelopment project ever in National Cultural Institution, the project, at the National Concert Hall, will see the restoration and redevelopment of the historic building at the Earlsfort Terrace site.
The Community Centres Investment Fund is the Largest ever capital investment in Community Centres in Ireland, providing grants of up to €300,000 for works such as extensions to existing centres, energy efficiency upgrades and improved access for people with disabilities. Find the successful projects here.
Northern Ireland
Calling for the re-doubling of efforts to end paramilitary activity, the fifth report from the Independent Reporting Commission highlighted the need for joined up collaborative effort and highlighted the Belfast City Council’s multi-agency threat support project and the youth support hub pilot being run by Mid & East Antrim Council.
Key insights from Scottish Local Government
At LGIU we know that places are unique; but so many of the challenges faced by local governments are shared with their colleagues across countries and across continents. To keep local governments up to date on good practice and innovation across these islands, this week we have prepared three key briefings that capture local government innovation in Scotland.
Swift read: Tackling fuel poverty in Scotland. A national strategy to reduce fuel poverty in Scotland has been unveiled – including tighter regulation of housing and better support for households who face barriers making their homes more energy-efficient. This swift read looks at the key proposals.
Working at home or in the office? The growth of hybrid working in local government. Use case studies from two Scottish local authorities, this briefing looks at home and hybrid working, exploring how local governments face this evolving and change landscape.
Key Learnings from the Scotland Town Partnership Conference. Relevant for all those interested in town centre housing and planning, this LGIU publication brings you all the key case studies, reflections and a winners of the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Coming up…
Stay tuned to the LGIU Ireland next week as we hear from Jason Murphy, Ukrainian Services Development Directorate at Clare County Council on everyone the Council is doing to support Ukrainian refugees.
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