Fingal projects nominated for excellence awards

Goats Howth

Six projects in Fingal have been shortlisted for this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards. The annual awards showcase best practice across local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within the sector that can often go unrecognised.

Held in association with Chambers Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 24 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry.

This year, Fingal County Council has been nominated in six categories:

  • Age Friendly Initiative (Fingal Age Friendly Guide)
  • Communications (Firefighting goats in Howth)
  • Local Authority Innovation (Fingalmaker and maker space)
  • Promoting Economic Development (Fingal Skills Strategy)
  • Sustainable Environment (Wildfire Management Strategy Howth Head)
  • Sustaining the Arts (Seanchaí Micro Forest)

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “I’m delighted that so many of our great initiatives are gaining recognition on a national scale. To be shortlisted is a testament not only to the hard working and dedicated staff in Fingal County Council, but also to the partnerships that exist between the Council, elected members and within our local communities.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many outstanding and innovative projects nominated this year for the positive impact they’ve had on communities in Fingal. I wish to congratulate everyone for their hard work, commitment, and determination in helping deliver such worthy initiatives right across the County.”

ENDS

Caption: The Old Irish Goats herd have been heralded as little firefighters as they have been helping reduce vegetation at Howth.

 

Notes to editors

Outline of projects nominated

  • Fingal Age Friendly Guide

Created through the #Keep Well Campaign to support mental health and wellbeing during 2021, the guide was delivered across the county with information on health & wellbeing, local support contacts, history and poetry, quizzes, recipes, puzzles and lots more.

  • Firefighting goats in Howth

This launched a ground-breaking conservation grazing project, with Old Irish Goat at Howth. A group of 25 Old Irish Goats, originating from the national herd in Co. Mayo were deployed to help prevent the spread of wildfires.

  • Fingalmaker and maker space

Fingal Maker space is a multi-use, creative and educational community space developed and funded by Fingal libraries with funding from Creative Ireland. The space houses a range of facilities and tools including laptops, a 3-D printer and a vinyl cutter.

  • Fingal Skills Strategy

The first cross sector skills strategy developed at a local level in Ireland. It looks to grow the skills of the workforce in Fingal, benefiting both citizens and employers, such as developing new training courses, building relationships and links with employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.

  • Wildfire Management Strategy Howth Head

The Council worked together with international wildfire experts, Dublin Fire Brigade and local community groups prepared a proactive wildfire management strategy for Howth. Strategic wildfire breaks near residential properties have been created and the Council initiated a goat grazing project to help reduce vegetation growth.

  • Seanchaí Micro Forest

A micro forest located on the grounds of Blakestown Community School, the project saw students learn a variety of old techniques such as wood splitting and turning, digging and tree planting and mulching. Some 450 native broadleaf trees were also planted as part of the initiative.