[Leading Cork to take its place as a World Class City] __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Introduction from CE & Lord Mayor
In 2021, Cork City in common with other urban centres across the country and the globe found itself facing the challenge of a second year of the Covid 19 pandemic. Though there were varying degrees of respite from the restrictions placed on the population to curb the spread of the virus, both the citizens and businesses of Cork had to endure another difficult year. Against this background and the need to continue to provide services to the city, the City Council continued to innovate and inspire, engaging in transformative projects that saw seventeen of the c ity’s streets pedestrianised, allowed young people to enjoy sports throughout the pandemic, and a focus on Reimagining Cork continued. Ultimately, this dedication to developing and nurturing the city and its communities led to Cork City Council being named Local Authority of the Year in the annual Chambers Ireland -Excellence in Local Government Awards and being commended for its creativity and innovation in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland and sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, highlight the positive impact of local government across Ireland. In total, 2021 saw ninety projects from twenty local authorities shortlisted and of the ninety projects shortlisted Cork City Council had twelve, with three of those projects winning individual awards. Further detail on these projects are shown in this annual report. As Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke TD said in his commentary on the awards: ‘This achievem ent is a credit to the staff who proudly serve Cork city each day by enacting initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of its citizens.” The Draft Cork City Development Plan, published in July, provides a framework for building and transforming the city over the next six years. Supporting the creation of 20,000 homes and 31,000 jobs, ‘Our City, Our Future’ provides a blueprint for Cork as the city embarks upon an exciting phase of growth and change – with sustainability, quality of life, so cial inclusion, and climate resilience at the plan’s core. It aims to ensure that as our population increases, we become an even better place to live, and the published draft follows widespread dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders. This is a time of unprecedented opportunity for Cork City. The National Transport Authority has committed €3.5bn as part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy to develop world -class sustainable transport solutions in Cork. There is a visible confidence in ou r city as evidenced by planned landmark projects such as the €46 million, URDF funded Grand Parade/Bishop Lucey Park/Tuckey Street rejuvenation and the €350 million to be invested in the Cork City Docklands. To make our vision a reality, Cork City Council will be working with a range of partners to deliver services such as schools, health services, community and cultural facilities. Originally designated in January 2012, Cork City has been successfully designated as a World Health Organisation Healthy City for the third time. Accepted into Phase VII of the European Healthy Cities Network, Cork will join Belfast as the only other Irish city currently in the network. Cork City has renewed its commitment to supporting the implementation of actions at city level relevant to the six P’s of the Phase VII Healthy Cities framework - People, Place, Prosperity, Participation, Planet, and Peace. Cork is leading by example by continuing to champion the WHO Healthy Cities movement, building networks and relationships, highlighting inequalities, establishing initiatives, consulting on various healthy city topics, and collaborating nationally, regionally, and globally.
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