Cork City Council Projects Shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Awards
29/08/2025
Four Cork City Council projects have been shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.
In the Age Friendly Initiative category, the EnergyCloud Age Friendly pilot has been shortlisted. The brainchild of the late Age Friendly Ambassador, John Mullins, the pilot provides free hot water to older residents in private and local authority properties by redirecting surplus renewable energy to immersion tanks overnight. EnergyCloud redirects excess energy which cannot be stored from windfarms overnight (on windy nights) via digital smart switches.
The Transformation of Ballycannon Park has been shortlisted under the Supporting Sustainable Communities category. work carried out over the past number of years in Kerrypike, funded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) has focused on the redevelopment of the park as an amenity for the local community. The key elements of the redevelopment include;
- Tarmacing of the carpark and footpath around the GAA pitch.
- Installation of lighting in the carpark and along the newly tarmaced footpath around the GAA pitch.
- Installation of an exercise zone and a commemorative information plinth, erected in memory of local people who died during the War of Independence;
- Major new planting to improve biodiversity.
- A new playground.
- Employment of a Planning Consultant to prepare a successful planning application for a sports pavilion. This community association are now fundraising to build the sports pavilion.
Ar Scáth a Chéile: Clár Teanga agus Cultúir Ghaelach at Cork City Council’s Libraries has been shortlisted under the Celebrating Irish Language & Culture category. This programme plays a significant and vital role in supporting Irish language and culture in Cork city, through its collections, clubs, partnerships and vibrant programmes of Irish literary and musical events which are accessible to all and free of charge. With ten libraries across the city, the network is at the heart of communities playing a key role in promoting our national identity through Irish language and cultural events. Cork City Libraries has a collection of 8,000 items in Irish, hosts several monthly Ciorcal Cainte groups, Club Leabhar Gaeilge and Irish language book launches for adults.
In the Sustaining the Arts category, Knocknaheeny Per Cent for Art: “I Can Colour Between The Lines But I Choose Not To”, has been shortlisted. This project is a collaboration between Knocknaheeny residents and artists, with guests Mark Storor and Stephen King; I can colour began in Autumn 2017 with a major community installation and performances at 46 Kilmore Road in June 2018.
The tile-mural installed in September 2024 celebrates the creativity, imagination, kindness, resourcefulness, hospitality and the joy of the people who live in Knocknaheeny.
A collaboration between residents of all ages, artists of Knocknaheeny and guest artists Mark Storor and photographer Stephen King; produced by Cork Midsummer Festival and commissioned by Cork City Council as part of the North West Quarter Regeneration Project: I Can Colour Between The Lines But I Choose Not To is a unique testament to the creativity, imagination, kindness, resourcefulness, hospitality, and the joy of the people who live and work in Knocknaheeny.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, marked the announcement of the shortlisted projects by saying: “The projects that have been shortlisted, show the depth and breadth of the work being carried out by Cork City Council, it is fantastic to have four projects shortlisted, allowing us to give the people involved in each project the credit they deserve."
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added: “The four projects shortlisted are examples of the innovation and hard work of the people in Cork City Council, across all directorates. We are very fortunate to have staff who work every day to ensure Cork is a great place in which to work, live, study and invest.”
Last year, Cork City Council was successful in category Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity for the Enhancement of Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog to create an ecological visitor attraction.
The awards ceremony will be taking place on Thursday, 27th of November in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood Park, Santry, Dublin 9. In total there are 15 categories ranging from Urban Revival to Festival of the Year.