[ Cork City Council - Annual Report 2020 ]
Excellence in Local Government Awards 2020 Through our Chamber network’s engagement with Local Authorities, Chambers Ireland recognises the meaningful projects with the Excellence in Local Government Awards. Cork City Council were shortlisted in the following categories:
Promoting Economic Development - Winner
An inspiring and imaginative initiative by Cork City Council called ‘Reimagining the City’ was a direct response to the arrival of the pandemic and its disastrous effects on the social, economic and community life in Cork City Centre. An initiative spearheaded by local businesses and Cork City Council on city streets, starting with Princes Street, which will ensure safe social distancing measures can be adhered to. Moreover, this will ensure local businesses can continue to operate at a level which will safeguard their viability. “The future of the physical city is dependent on how we live in it, how we congregate in it and carry out our leisure activities. It must be good inside, at the heart. Cork needs to remain compact, be light on its feet, be a big personality and be one of the best if it is to thrive.”
• Supporting Sustainable Communities
• Best Practice in Community Engagement -Winner
• Promoting Economic Development -Winner
• Sustainable Environment
• Festival of the Year
• Age Friendly Initiative
Best Practice in Community Engagement - Winner
Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive
Cork City Council’s ‘Social Distancing Park Ranger Programme’ involved Cork City parks and amenities being kept open and available to local citizens, with Social Distancing Park Ranger staff maintaining their presence on the ground as a visible and accessible asset. Operating in over 20 Parks and with more than 150 staff, the Park Ranger Programme contributed to the physical and mental wellbeing of Cork City’s population during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. In response to the pandemic, Cork City Council proved itself to be capable of developing an extremely constructive community engagement process. As the intrinsic benefits of the programme became apparent, the council explored the potential to involve community groups in an even greater way in the daily operation of the programme.
Sustainable Environment
Cork City Council took the lead nationally by putting 76 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road and thereby creating the biggest local authority EV fleet in the country. The Council replaced 100% of diesel transport vehicles where EVs are a technically viable replacement and continues to trial other EVs for the remaining portion of its fleet. Cork City Council’s decision to go electric was taken in anticipation of the Government’s National Climate Action Plan. In delivering this progressive initiative, the council achieved the new Programme for Government 2025 targets for local authority low or no emission vehicles during 2020 – five years ahead of target. The
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