A very proactive meeting of the Climate Action Committee took place in attendance was Minister Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport.
Development Plan The Chief Executive’s report on the pre -draft consultation for the review of the Cork City Development Plan was presented to Councillors on 16 October. This report forms part of the statutory process to make a new City Development Plan. The report summarises the issues raised in the submissions received and sets out the Chief Executive’s opinion and recommendations on policies to be included in the Draft City D evelopment Plan. Councillors have up to 10 weeks to consider the Chief Executive’s report, following which t hey may issue directions to the Chief Executive regarding the preparation of the Draft City Development Plan.
Heritage Unit A draft of The Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan has been completed and should go to public consultation shortly.
Two biodiversity projects are ongoing, and the Department has provided funding of € 12,000 for 2 projects. You will soon be able to view on Cork City Council ’s website a YouTube video has been made on where to see nature in the city, there will also be a series of online tutorials on gardening for biodiversity. You will also find the Cork Past and Present exhibition.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
The Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, has implemented a variety of business supports during the current pandemic:
Online Voucher Scheme
Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 1 0 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets. There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices with co-funding of 10% from the business. These are all subject to eligibility and funding availability
490 trading online vouchers have been approved to date with many more in the application or assessment phase.
Training and Webinars
Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis.
Training programmes are generally free of charge and places can be booked online, through the Local Enterprise Office.
Over 1,900 people have participated in the webinars and training to date.
Mentoring
Under the Local Enterprise Office Mentor Programme, clients work with an experienced mentor to identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business.
With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities when the COVID-19 crisis comes to an end.
Mentoring services are now free of charge and almost 300 businesses have availed of this service during COVID-19.
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