‘HOUSING FOR ALL’ MAPS OUT NEW PLAN FOR IRELAND

The Government’s new ‘Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland’, which represents the largest and most ambitious social housing build programme in the history of the State, has set a target to provide over 90,000 social homes and 54,000 affordable homes by the end of 2030.

DUBLIN STRATEGY SETS OUT FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN EU PROGRAMMES

The summer launch of Dublin City Council’s new EU Programme Participation Strategy 2021-2027 was very timely, as it coincided with the visit of European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen to Dublin to announce a post-Covid investment package, which showcased that the EU and Ireland are now moving towards recovery.

MAJOR REGENERATION INVESTMENT PLAN FOR CARLOW TOWN

A total of €9.79m has been awarded under the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund for key projects identified in ‘Project Carlow 2040’, and match funding by Carlow County Council, will see €13m reinvested in the south-east town over the next 20 years.

INVESTING IN A SMARTER, GREENER, MORE SOCIAL EUROPE

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed in Ireland by two regional programmes, continues to support sustainable employment opportunities, and helps to develop an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient economy. It has also awarded over €311m to the HSE to support the cost of PPE supplies to the Irish healthcare system.

FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE DUBLIN’S NEW INTEGRATION STRATEGY

In response to the growing migrant population in the capital city in recent years, Dublin City Council's Integration and Intercultural Strategy for 2021-2025 is an opportune time to consolidate all efforts to facilitate and embrace this growth in diversity, claims Mary Lynch, DCC’s Integration Officer.

NWRA EVOLVES AS KEY ADVOCATE FOR NORTH WEST REGION

As Ireland's Regional Assemblies become increasingly prominent players on the public policy landscape, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is evolving as a key advocate and leader for its region, and Cathaoirleach Cllr David Maxwell gives an insight into the work of his Assembly.

90 PROJECTS SHORTLISTED FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

A total of 90 projects from 20 local authorities have been announced as finalists for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2021, following the release of this year’s shortlist by Chambers Ireland. The winners will be announced at an online awards ceremony on Thursday 18 November.

FUTURE OF LIMERICK’S SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT NOW ON TRACK

The new 40km Limerick Greenway route - the largest tourism project ever undertaken by Limerick City and County Council - stretches through the county’s western heartlands, creating vital infrastructure for sustainable living, transport and tourism in the region.

GALWAY HAS SITE SET ON LOCATION FOR NEW FILM & TV STUDIO

Galway’s Draft County Development Plan (2022-2028) has highlighted several sites of strategic importance and mutual interest to both the city and county councils. One is the former Galway Airport site, earmarked for a state-of-the-art film and TV Studio, which aims to be open for business next summer.

COUNCIL CHIEFS URGED TO PILOT A FOUR-DAY WORKING WEEK

Fórsa is asking Ireland’s local authority chief executives to engage with a new four-day week pilot programme, as the union campaigns for reduced working time without loss of pay for employees or productivity for employers.

ADDRESSING THE SAFETY ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Since the construction industry reopened in May, any likely radical reforms of moving the Safe Pass training programme to an online ‘test’ will not be in the best interests of the industry, claims safety consultant Declan Gibney.

DIGITAL HUB TAKES BIG STEPS TO TRANSFORM HOME-BUILDS

Since Housebuild.ie went live in February, Ireland’s first ever all-in-one marketplace for home-builds and improvements is now providing homeowners with direct access to construction professionals, products and services in one seamless digital hub.