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 is looking forward to the 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards. Hosted by Chambers Ireland, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the awards showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.
The 2022 Excellence in Local Government Award winners will be announced at the 19th annual ceremony on 24th of November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Santry. Awards will be presented for excellence in 15 different categories and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2022. You can find the 2022 short list of project here.
Awaiting Thursday evenings results, this week LGIU Ireland reflects on case studies from last years winners.
- Cork City Council – Local Authority of the Year in Ireland.
- Clare County Council wins Chambers Ireland award for restructuring initiative.
- The Patrick Kavanagh Centre’s big win at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government 2021
LGIU Ireland
Housing for all: One year on. In this briefing, we take a look at the Government’s housing plan one year on and try to assess what progress has been made.
Corporate Planning in local government in Ireland. This is the latest briefing in the LGIU series that examines the work of the NOAC (the National Oversight and Audit Commission) in Ireland.
Oireachtas Report: October 2022. October affairs in the Oireachtas proved to be both topical with a budget providing for a detailed response to the cost of living challenges confronting the people of Ireland alongside the ongoing implementation of an intensive legislative programme.
The week in Irish Local Government
Councillors
The Cabinet has approved the Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for members of Local Authorities) Bill 2022. This legislation provides a choice to members of Local Authorities to appoint an individual as a temporary substitute in the place a Councillor who takes a period of maternity-related absence or is absent due to illness. Find out more here.
On Tuesday, Cork City Council’s Women Caucus hosted the 2022 Pathways to Participation. Centred on attracting and sustaining women as leaders in communities, politics and business, the event highlighted recent research from University of College Cork research. The report, a Women’s Voice in the Council Chamber, included a number of recommendations for improving gender equality in local governance.
Planning
Cork City’s Development Plan entered into action this August. With plans to make Cork a 15-minute city, read more about how Cork City Council plans to deliver for the fastest growing region in Ireland.
- To understand the wider background of planning and upcoming reforms, check out this LGIU Ireland briefing on reform of Ireland’s Planning Appeals Board.
Environment
The 2023 Community Monuments Fund launched with a €6 million investment to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. Supporting over 120 projects, this fund involves a collaborative partnership between local authorities, the National Monument Service. Find out more here.
- Check out this LGIU Ireland briefing explaining the inter-connected relationship between local governments, culture and heritage by reflecting on the lessons from the Decade of Centenaries.
Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action Report on Biodiversity November 2022. Making 75 recommendations across key five themes identified during engagements with stakeholders and through submissions to the committee, this report lists actions for local governments.
- To understand the background to this report, this swift read from the LGIU explains the key role local authorities approach biodiversity.
Society
A a new Civic Forum opened to create dialogue between the Community and Voluntary Sector and the State. More than 130 attendees will include leaders from across the community and voluntary sector, alongside senior local and central government officials. Read the 5 year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland.
On a lighter note…
On Monday, Kildare County Council launched “Brigid 1500”.
A programme of national and international events and initiatives, Brigid 1500 celebrates and commemorates St. Brigid, the woman, the life and the legacy. Launched at St. Brigid’s Cathedral, according to leading experts, 2024 marks the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid and thus, St. Brigid’s Day, 1st February 2024 will be a key date in the programme.
However, the programme will begin on the 31st of January 2023, with Kildare County Council co-ordinating a host of exciting and diverse projects honouring all aspects of Brigid’s life and influence. You can find more here.
Coming up…
Next week, stay tuned to LGIU Ireland as we bring an in-depth summary of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, as well as a briefing on the Ukrainian refugee impact.
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