Tag: council

Dublin City Council launches new Electric Waste Vehicles

Dublin City Council has launched the first of 30 new electric vehicles to be used by the Waste Management section.

The launch took place on the forecourt of the Mansion House.

The new vehicles are the first Fully Electric Cage Body Vehicles to be used by the Waste Management section and will be rolled out throughout the year.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said, “If Dublin is serious about climate action, it must start with how the city itself operates. These new electric waste vehicles are a clear signal that the capital is leading by example, cutting emissions while carrying out the essential work that keeps our streets clean. They will help us build an even cleaner Dublin that we can all celebrate together.”

Dublin is one of 112 cities selected under the EU Mission 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate systems change and deliver climate neutrality by 2030.

In line with national requirements, Dublin City Council’s Climate Action Plan contributes to:

  • A 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels)
  • Climate neutrality before 2050, at the latest

Climate Neutral Dublin 2030 responds directly to these commitments with a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) and associated Investment Plan that sets a clear roadmap for transformative change across the city.

However, the Council emphasises that delivering on these targets requires more than policy, it demands whole-of-society behavioural change. Sustainable choices must become the easiest and most convenient options for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

To make inroads into our targets we are delighted to showcase our brand new Fully Electric Cage Body Vehicles from our Waste Management section. Not only does the Waste Management section keep Dublin physically clean, the vehicles they are using improve the environment by using electric vehicles as part of the operation! Over 50 Waste Management Drivers have already been trained to use these new zero emission vehicles.

Dublin City Council will continue to work with the Department of Transport Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland office to identify funding streams and capacity building measures to support the transition and facilitate the installation of Electric Vehicle chargers.

Dublin City Council will work closely with the ESB and other stakeholders to enable and facilitate an increase in the number of EV charge points across the city.

Galway County Council Launches Revamped Bilingual Website

Galway County Council has launched a completely redesigned bilingual website aimed at delivering faster, clearer, and more accessible information to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The new site, available at Gaillimh.ie and Galway.ie, was developed by award-winning Irish web services company Annertech. It now offers 100 per cent Irish-language content, improved translation management, and the ability to deliver dynamic updates including rich media, event announcements, and severe weather alerts.

Core services, including Planning, Housing, Environment, Libraries, Climate Action, Community, and Business and Economy, are easily accessible from the home page. Visitors can also sign up for location-based alerts on road works, planning applications, severe weather, and community notices through the MapAlerter service.

With the majority of users accessing the site on mobile devices, page layouts automatically adjust to fit smartphones and tablets.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said, “We have incorporated the views of elected members and the public, along with best practices in local government web service delivery, when redesigning the site. This ensures that the most up-to-date information about our services is presented in a modern, user-friendly interface with improved navigation and accessibility features.”

Katie O’Connor, Director of Finance, Motor Tax, ICT and Digital Transformation, described the launch as “a major step forward in making our services clearer, faster, and more accessible.”

She added, “The upgraded bilingual site ensures reliable access to council information and services at all times. It follows the Local Government Service Catalogue, presenting information around what people need.”

Michael Martyn, Head of Information Systems, commented, “By rewriting all content in plain English and Gaeilge, building on an open-source platform, and making Irish-language content a core feature, we are making it easier for people to find what they need, when they need it. This is about putting the user first, whether they are a resident, a business, or a visitor to Galway County.”

The site is built on Local Government Drupal, an open-source platform shared by councils in Ireland and the UK, with sharing of additional development and features on a build-once, share-many basis.

Visit www.Gaillimh.ie and www.Galway.ie.

‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ DCC Podcast now available

Want to learn more about your local council? Tune in to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ – the official podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Dublin City Council

Seasons one and two of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ The Official Dublin City Council Podcast are now available in full on podcast platforms. Whether you’re a resident of Dublin city, a student, or eager to learn about local government, this podcast offers a fresh and accessible look at how Dublin City Council supports your city and keeps it moving. Podcasts are also a new thing with me and now listening to more of them as time goes on and I will tune into this one.

Highlights of season two include a deep dive into Dublin Fire Brigade with Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, a chat with Assistant Chief Executive Aidan Blighe about what the senior management role entails, and a reflection with Public Domain Officer Sid Daly on the challenges of waste management and recycling in Dublin city.

The ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast delves into the roles and responsibilities of the various sections and departments of Dublin City Council, showcasing the work, initiatives, and services that impact both residents and visitors.

Topics covered so far range from Housing and Biodiversity, to Sports and the Night-Time Economy, with more special episodes to come before the end of 2025.

Producer and host of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ Deirdre Molumby says: “We’ve had such a wonderful range of guests and perspectives on the ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished this year.

“I’ve learned so much presenting this podcast and I believe listeners have too. There is a broad range of audiences who will get something out of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’, whether you’re interested in working for the public sector and want to brush up on it, a community member who wants to use services provided by Dublin City Council, or students who want to learn about how local council works. I’m looking forward to seeing the podcast grow and grow.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to fellow producer Michael Ryan, sound engineer and editor Robert Fay, everyone in the Communications sector of Dublin City Council, and senior management for their support.”

Subscribe to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Goodpods, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dublin City Council to roll out BikeBunkers

Dublin City Council is pleased to announce the BikeBunkers service to provide secure bicycle storage units for residents. The service is designed to make cycling more convenient and help address one of the biggest challenges for urban cyclists, the lack of secure and accessible bike storage close to home.

This milestone follows the success of a pilot project, where 12 bike bunkers were installed in selected residential areas to test demand and gather feedback. The results were overwhelmingly positive; every unit was fully subscribed, and residents strongly supported expanding the programme.

Building on this success, Dublin City Council has developed a comprehensive framework to deliver up to 300 BikeBunkers across the city. The framework will run for 10 years, with an initial 4-year service contract. Following a competitive procurement process, Bleeper has been appointed as the operator to commission, deliver, install, maintain, and service the BikeBunkers. This will be a budget-friendly, subsidised service supported by Dublin City Council, making secure bike parking more accessible to residents across the city.

Visit BikeBunkers.ie to explore the service in detail and find out how to register.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, “I’m delighted to see BikeBunkers rolling out across Dublin. This is a real win for communities, tackling one of the biggest barriers to cycling by giving people safe, secure bike storage close to home. 

BikeBunkers will make cycling easier and safer for Dubliners, giving people the confidence to use their bikes every day without worrying about theft or storage. Rolling out BikeBunkers across the city is a real boost for communities and a practical step in making Dublin a truly cycle-friendly capital”

Jennifer McGrath Head of Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Dublin City Council said. “This service is about giving people practical support to cycle more in their daily lives. By providing secure, affordable bike storage in residential areas, Dublin City Council is helping communities embrace cycling as a convenient, reliable, and sustainable way to get around.”

“Bleeper has been meeting the needs of Dublin’s cycling community since our shared bikes launched in 2018, and we’re delighted to bring that wealth of expertise to the BikeBunkers service” says Hugh Cooney, CEO of Bleeper. “We understand how important it is to have secure cycle parking, and we’re excited to be working with Dublin City Council to bring BikeBunkers to neighbourhoods across the city.” 

New BikeBunkers will begin to arrive in neighbourhoods across Dublin by the end of 2025, and residents can register their interest in using a Bike Bunker by completing a short form on the website BikeBunkers.ie.

This project marks a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and cycle-friendly Dublin.

***See Image attached: L-R Jennifer McGrath, DCC Head of Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Richard Greene, CEO Bleeper, Olatomiwa Bammeke, DCC Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Zewar Zyada, DCC Road Safety and Micromobility Unit”””

Galway County Council’s StoryMaps Wins eGovernment Award

Galway County Council’s innovative StoryMaps project, which has digitised the heritage of communities across County Galway into interactive online experiences, has been named a category winner at the 2025 Ireland eGovernment Awards.

The project received the Open Data Award, having been shortlisted alongside the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.

Galway County Council’s Heritage and GIS sections, working in conjunction with community groups and academia, have so far created over 40 town and village StoryMaps showcasing the rich heritage of the County’s towns, villages, and townlands.

In addition, historical information relating to 1,000 townlands has been digitised, providing a valuable resource for communities, schools, heritage groups, Tidy Towns committees, academia, and the public.

By integrating mapping technology with text, images, and multimedia content, StoryMaps delivers location-based stories that can be accessed on any internet-enabled device, from desktop computers to tablets and phones.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County, said, “This project showcases and promotes knowledge of, and pride in, the rich heritage of our townlands, villages, towns, and other aspects of our heritage. It presents this heritage to local, national, and international audiences and serves as an extremely valuable resource.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, added, “This project is a fantastic example of how local history can be preserved and shared using modern technology and innovative research techniques. The partnership approach to developing StoryMaps shows how collaboration is central to preserving and sharing our local history.”

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services for Planning and Economic Development, said the project places a strong emphasis on community engagement, presenting local heritage in a way that is easily accessible to the public, the Irish diaspora, and scholars at home and abroad.

Led by Galway County Council’s Heritage Office and GIS Department, the project was developed in collaboration with the Galway County Community Archaeology Project, University of Galway, Atlantic Technology University (ATU) Galway, ICAN (Irish Community Archive Network) Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and local Tidy Towns, heritage and community groups.

Bridin Feeney, GIS Analyst in Galway County Council’s ICT Department, said the project is about unearthing stories, local lore, and forgotten histories and presenting them in an engaging digital format.

Outlining the background to the project, she added, “Several community groups approached us wanting to develop a digital platform to showcase the heritage and history of their local areas but lacked the capacity or resources to do so. Working with these groups, our GIS team and Heritage Officer developed a framework to create StoryMaps for their heritage trails and townland research. Some communities had the knowledge but not the digital expertise, so we worked with them and trained them on the possibilities of StoryMaps and how they could reach their target audiences.”

Heritage Officer Marie Mannion said the primary goal of StoryMaps is to make heritage accessible to everyone.

“We initially expected to train local communities and students on how to create StoryMaps and make this information available as open-source data. It has turned out to be much more than that,” she explained. “It has given people confidence in their skills and fostered a strong sense of pride in their communities. The StoryMaps are used by local residents, schools, academics, the diaspora, and many others. They have a myriad of uses, and we are only now discovering additional applications, including their use in ATU Galway’s Heritage Studies course.”

The Ireland eGovernment Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and creativity in Ireland’s public sector and are recognised as the benchmark for digital government services. This year’s awards were presented by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at O’Reilly Hall, UCD.

Giles Newsome, CEO of iConnect101 and a member of this year’s judging panel, said, “This submission proved very much the value of using GIS, open-source mapping data to deliver something very valuable from Galway County Council to the people of Galway and beyond. What has been done here is the creation and curation of very valuable content on interactive maps about places of interest, historic monuments, historic sites right across County Galway. A fantastic smart use of mapping technology.”

The StoryMaps project is available at www.tinyurl.com/StoryMapGalway.

First ever Dublin Tech Week all set to launch!

Dublin City Council is proud to announce the first ever Dublin Tech Week, running from 23-30 May.

In just over a week, Dublin will become the epicentre of global innovation as it welcomes a week-long celebration that promises to energise the city with the brightest ideas, the boldest technology, and a shared vision for the future.

This first-of-its-kind initiative will unite the capital’s top innovators, global tech leaders, creatives, educators, and the wider community through a dynamic mix of over 30 events, spanning everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain, smart cities, fintech and beyond.

But this is more than just a calendar of events. Dublin Tech Week is a movement — one that underscores the city’s position as a bold, collaborative, and forward-looking global tech hub.

Ross Curley Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand said: “Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.”

From flagship conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit at the RDS, Blockchain Ireland Summit at Trinity Business School, Dublin 2 and ETHDublin at Dogpatch Labs, to grassroots meetups, hackathons, and family-friendly discovery trails, the programme is designed to be as accessible as it is ambitious.

Event highlights include Smart Dublin’s ‘The Connective Detective’ – build your own smart city; ‘All We Feel is How it Moves’ – a live audiovisual work driven by real time data at the Hugh Lane Gallery; a session on the Cultural Audit and Culture Near You Map by the Dublin City Council Culture Company and ‘Learn the Art of Lock Picking’ among many others.

Both the tech and wider community can immerse themselves in topics ranging from the future of AI and immersive tech, to ethical hacking, Web3 governance, smart urban planning, and the power of inclusive innovation. Events range from ticketed to free and open to attend/participate in, with booking information provided on the event listing.

All of this is made possible by a powerful coalition of partners and stakeholders across Dublin’s ecosystem, including: Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, Dublin Chamber, the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, NovaUCD, the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College, Dogpatch Labs, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Blockchain Ireland, ETH Dublin, TU Dublin, Tech Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland.

Together, they’re helping to build a platform for discovery, investment, talent, and community impact that will reverberate long after the week finishes.

Dublin Tech Week is open to all. Whether you’re a startup founder, developer, policy thinker, educator, student, or simply curious about what the future holds, there’s a place for you in this citywide conversation.

Explore the full programme and get involved at dublintechweek.com
Follow the buzz: #DublinTechWeek

Spark Discovery at the Cork Carnival of Science 2025!

Prepare to unleash your inner scientist as Cork Carnival of Science returns to Fitzgerald Park on the 7th and 8th of June 2025. This FREE two-day festival, supported by Research Ireland and Cork City Council, will once again transform one of Cork Cities best loved public green spaces  into a sprawling outdoor science lab, where minds of all ages can experiment, explore, and experience the thrill of scientific discovery.

With more than 75,000 visitors attending in previous years, the Cork Carnival of Science has cemented its place as Ireland’s largest outdoor STEM festival. Whether you’re captivated by the wonders of the natural world, fascinated by cutting-edge technology, or eager to try mind-bending experiments, this event is designed to fuel curiosity and fan the flames of innovation.

This year’s festival will feature an even more dynamic programme, spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and environmental science. From the tiniest molecular reactions to large-scale experiments that make you go “WOW,” every corner of Fitzgerald Park will be buzzing with scientific potential!

Highlights of this 2 day weekend of wonder include:

  • Electrifying live science shows in the Circus Top and Stretch Tents

  • Hands-on experiments and workshops to test, tinker, and create

  • Fascinating exhibits showcasing real-world science in action

  • Roaming science performers bringing unexpected experiments, gravity defying stunts and bubble magic to the crowd

  • Nature-focused activities exploring ecosystems, wildlife, and the environment

  • STEM challenges that puzzle, provoke, and inspire

(Additional programme details to yet to be announced)

Beyond the scientific spectacle, families can soak up the atmosphere with street food stalls, picnic areas, lush gardens, the Cork Public Museum, a huge playground, and on-site facilities, making it the perfect place for an exciting, educational, and entertaining day out.Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2025 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science which is a superb day out for all to enjoy engaging in STEM activities. Once again, the event will take place in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park. This free family festival is essential in keeping Cork City at the forefront of scientific endeavours into the future and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great day out.”

Cork Carnival of Science is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and inclusive. Sign language interpretation will be available at live shows, and a quiet zone near the Sky Garden will provide a calm space for those who prefer a less sensory-stimulating environment.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2025 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science which is a superb day out for all to enjoy engaging in STEM activities. Once again, the event will take place in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park. This free family festival is essential in keeping Cork City at the forefront of scientific endeavours into the future and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great day out.”

Celine Fitzgerald, interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: “Research Ireland are delighted to support the Cork Carnival of Science under the Discover Programme. Science is about asking questions, experimenting, and seeing the world from new perspectives. This festival brings that spirit to life, offering a unique opportunity for families to engage with science in creative and interactive ways. Whether you’re fascinated by the cosmos, curious about how things work, or just love a good experiment, there’s something here for everyone.”

Mervyn Horgan of Lifetime Lab who oversees the organisation of the Carnival of Science said:“The Carnival of Science continues to evolve, and this year’s event will highlight not only physics, chemistry, and engineering but also our deep connections with nature and environmental science. It’s a brilliant opportunity for all ages to see the magic of STEM in action.”

The full programme will be unveiled soon, but for now, be sure to save the date for this unmissable science extravaganza.

For updates, visit corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media. #BelieveInScience

Dublin City Council introduces Communications Boards in Libraries

Dublin City Council is pleased to announce that it has introduced Communications Boards in some of its libraries, making it the first public library service in the country to do so.

The Communications Boards and augmentative and alternative communications (AAC) devices are of particular benefit to children or adults who are either pre-verbal or non-verbal and/or have communication difficulties.

The Communications Boards were designed in association with Finding Charlie’s Voice, a charity addressing the barriers facing children with speech and language needs.

The AAD devices include Lightwriters, which are text to speech devices, and TD I-110 devices, which are touch screen speech-generating devices.

This initiative is just one of a range of library measures supporting the broader Dublin City Council plan to make Dublin an autism-friendly city.

It has been made possible with the support of money from the Dormant accounts fund.

For more information please see Communication boards and supports rolled out in Dublin City Libraries | Dublin City Council

Dublin to Host First-Ever Tech Week 23 – 30 May 2025

Dublin City Council is delighted to support ‘Dublin Tech Week’, which will take place from May 23-30, 2025.

This first of its kind event will bring together Dublin’s tech community, educators, creatives, and the public, offering a vibrant programme of events designed to inspire collaboration and showcase Dublin as a global tech hub. Dublin Tech Week 2025 aims to leave a lasting legacy by building connections across the tech sector, encouraging STEM engagement within the wider community, and positioning Dublin as a compelling destination for the international tech community.

By encouraging innovation and cultivating a thriving ecosystem, Dublin Tech Week seeks to become a cornerstone event on both the city’s and the global tech calendar.

It will spotlight where tech intersects with daily life, be it work, culture, entertainment, or city living. This initiative supports Dublin’s ongoing development as a dynamic hub for technology and entrepreneurship, promotes sustainable growth, attracts global talent, and strengthens the sector’s long-term resilience and economic impact.

“Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city and the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.” — Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand.

Dublin Tech Week Highlights 

Dublin Tech Week will feature a diverse line-up of activities for tech professionals and the public, including:

 

● Tech Conferences/Summits/Seminars

● Tech Company Open Houses/Community activities

● Innovation Showcases

● Collaborative Hackathons

● Networking/Meet ups

● Tech meets Art/Culture Experiences

Partners and Support 

Dublin Tech Week is backed by leading organisations in the Irish tech community, including Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, LEO, Dublin Tech Summit (DTS), Tech Ireland, ADAPT Centre, Nova UCD, Blockchain Ireland, Eth Dublin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Furthr, and Endeavor. With the support of these key players, Dublin Tech Week will deliver transformative experiences that further establish Dublin as a global leader in technology and innovation. Further support from both within the tech community and wider community of Dublin is being encouraged and you can email info@dublintechweek.com