City council projects make national awards shortlist

Four projects on Leeside have been shortlisted for the 2025 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.

Cork City Council's recognition highlights innovation, creativity, and community impact across the city.

In the Age Friendly Initiative category, the EnergyCloud Age Friendly pilot has been shortlisted. The project, inspired by the late Age Friendly ambassador John Mullins, provides free hot water to older residents in local authority and private homes. Surplus renewable energy from wind farms is redirected overnight to immersion tanks using smart digital switches.

The Transformation of Ballycannon Park is shortlisted under Supporting Sustainable Communities. Located in Kerrypike, the park has been redeveloped as a community amenity with new playgrounds, lighting, exercise zones, and landscaping to improve biodiversity. A commemorative plinth honours locals who died during the War of Independence. A planning consultant has also been hired to support a new sports pavilion, currently fundraising.

In the Celebrating Irish Language & Culture category, Ar Scáth a Chéile: Clár Teanga agus Cultúir Ghaelach at Cork City Libraries has been recognised. With ten libraries across the city, the programme promotes Irish language and culture through clubs, literary events, music sessions, and a collection of 8,000 Irish-language items.

Finally, in Sustaining the Arts, Knocknaheeny Per Cent for Art's I Can Colour Between The Lines But I Choose Not To has been shortlisted. The project celebrates the creativity and spirit of Knocknaheeny residents through a large tile-mural installed in 2024, alongside performances and community collaboration with artists Mark Storor and Stephen King.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “The projects that have been shortlisted show the depth and breadth of work carried out by Cork City Council. It is fantastic to have four projects shortlisted, giving credit to everyone involved.”

Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan added: “These projects are examples of the innovation and hard work of our staff across all directorates. We are fortunate to have people dedicated to making Cork a great place to live, work, study, and invest.”

Last year, Cork City Council won in the Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity category for the enhancement of Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 27 November, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin. In total, there are 15 categories ranging from Urban Revival to Festival of the Year.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.