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Cork's library cat Eugene Eyebrow helps kids celebrate difference - LGiU

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Cork's library cat Eugene Eyebrow helps kids celebrate difference - LGiU

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Following our Global Local Recap on libraries and the role that they play in bringing communities together, Senior Executive Library Breda (Brigid) Hassett wrote to us about an initiative of Cork City Libraries in Ireland that helps families with hearing impaired children or parents read a children's book together. In honour of National Irish Sign Language Day on 14 December, we wanted to share the story of a very cool cat and how he's helping children and families celebrate difference.

The children's book Eugene Eyebrow, written by Breda Hassett and illustrated by artist Mary O'Shea was sponsored by the Dormant Account Fund. It was interpreted in ISL and presented in video format with subtitles and voiceover as part of Cork City Libraries in support of Irish Sign Language Awareness Week in September 2021.
Life is hard for a young cat with pointy eyebrows, as Eugene Eyebrow discovers. Bully cats Trevor and his gang The Meows mock Eugene's unusual look. When Eugene learns to love his own eyebrows, he becomes the coolest cat in school!
Breda told us: "The video available on our library website allows parents with children that can hear and who are hearing impaired access the same story at the same time and so have a shared storytelling experience.This is something not always possible for families where children are hearing impaired and not hearing impaired but want the same storytelling experience."

We asked her what inspired her to write the book and she told us: "Having a hearing impaired child that was bullied because of his hearing aids I was inspired to write the book from a story I used to tell my son when he was young. The eyebrows for him represent hearing aids and believe it or not he was once put in a dust bin by bullies!"

Breda continued: "So given the message about being confident about yourself and your own appearance is so important, it's nice to do it as a story rather than some of the blunt material on bullying that's out there for children. Subtle reinforcement using entertaining stories as a medium to convey a message is key."

The local school for hearing impaired children in Douglas attended the Douglas Library for a special viewing before the Library opened to the public because of Covid restrictions. Parents with hearing and hearing impaired children welcomed the accessibility of the story as a shared family activity. Eugene Eyebrow is available on Borrowbox and in hard copy in all branches of Cork City Libraries and to borrow nationally on the Encore website.

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Cork's library cat Eugene Eyebrow helps kids celebrate difference - LGiU

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Following our Global Local Recap on libraries and the role that they play in bringing communities together, Senior Executive Library Breda (Brigid) Hassett wrote to us about an initiative of Cork City Libraries in Ireland that helps families with hearing impaired children or parents read a children's book together.

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Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

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Creating a cultural ecosystem: Lake Macquarie’s cultural revolution - LGiU

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Creating a cultural ecosystem: Lake Macquarie’s cultural revolution - LGiU

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Creating a cultural ecosystem: Lake Macquarie’s cultural revolution

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The development of Lake Macquarie City Council’s Multi-Arts Pavilion mima (MAP mima) marks an important stage in the city’s journey to build their own cultural identity and to develop the communit

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Permanent visibility equals permanent acceptance: an interview with LGBTQ+ Adviser Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL - LGiU

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Permanent visibility equals permanent acceptance: an interview with LGBTQ+ Adviser Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL - LGiU

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Gospel and Crockett: building on a small town's cultural heritage - LGiU

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Gospel and Crockett: building on a small town's cultural heritage - LGiU

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A council planned night out? You're having a laugh. - LGiU

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A council planned night out? You're having a laugh. - LGiU

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Exeter is a small city in Devon in the South West of England. Famous for its historic Cathedral, Roman walls and picturesque quay, Exeter has transformed in the last few decades as the University has expanded. It's now a city of about 130,000 people with 25,000 students.
For as long as anyone can remember, there has been a distinction made between the way that the private sector and the public sector operate, but as we all know it isn't always that clear cut. Many local authorities are involved in non-statutory services that add to the quality of life for the regions they serve, and also contribute financially to their organisation.

One such example happens in the South West, or to be more precise Exeter, where Exeter Comedy Club has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years. The monthly comedy night is organised by the team at Exeter Corn Exchange, a multi-purpose venue run by Exeter City Council. The venue strives to break even with its revenue budget, and that is without receiving any external funding.

The team at the venue are always looking for ways to improve income, and way back in February 1997 they decided that could be achieved by starting Exeter's first regular comedy night. Dave Lewis, who is responsible for the venue as one of the City Council's service leads explains "I was a stand-up comedy fan myself and used to attend nights occasionally, at venues like the Comedy Store, when I visited London. "I was frustrated that it wasn't easy to watch good comedy in the south west and then it occurred to me: we could put that right ourselves." Dave was manager of the Corn Exchange at the time (he still programmes the venue now) and he saw the chance to bring the bourgeoning stand-up scene to Devon, whilst making a positive financial contribution for the City Council.

The comedy nights were an immediate success and many of the big names of comedy appeared at Exeter Comedy Club in the early days of their careers. Frankie Boyle, Fern Brady, Marcus Brigstocke, Alan Carr, Micky Flanagan, Rhod Gilbert, Romesh Ranganathan, Jon Richardson, Katherine Ryan and Catherine Tate are just a few of the names that took to the stage in the days before they achieved national and international fame.

Not only was the club night a success in itself, but it led to the Corn Exchange securing dates on tours by many of the established names in comedy. Jo Brand, Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Sarah Millican and Jimmy Carr are typical of the acts that have appeared at the venue, which is often the smallest venue to be included on these tours.

Another benefit has been recognition, by comedy promoters and agents, of Exeter as a place with an eager comedy audience which means that other venues across the city have also seen an upturn in the number of comedy shows they host.

Since Exeter Comedy Club started there have been several other comedy club nights in the city, some of which have come and gone, and some of which continue today. Not that that has affected the success of the original, which comfortably seats around 250 people, in cabaret style, watching four stand-up acts each night, and in 2022 every single Exeter Comedy Club night sold out in advance. This led to record income levels from ticket sales, and bar and catering spend. It also helped the club secure a booking for the Wales and South West heat of the televised BBC New Comedian of the Year. The club also helps by providing free tables for fund-raising auctions and raffles for local charities and other good causes.

Exeter Comedy Club is an excellent example of how the public sector can operate commercially, and how a commercial venture can benefit a public-funded organisation. 26 years now, and still going strong, here's to the next quarter of a century making the good people of Exeter laugh.
Dave Lewis is the events, facilities and markets manager for Exeter City Council with responsibility for Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter Livestock Centre, the City's Underground Passages, Red Coat Guided Tours and Custom House Visitor Centre. He started working for the council more than 30 years ago when he was recruited as manager of Exeter Corn Exchange (then known as St George's Hall). Do you have story to tell? Get in touch with us.

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A council planned night out? You're having a laugh. - LGiU

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Exeter is a small city in Devon in the South West of England. Famous for its historic Cathedral, Roman walls and picturesque quay, Exeter has transformed in the last few decades as the University has expanded. It's now a city of about 130,000 people with 25,000 students.

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Clew Bay Bike Trail – Building momentum in Mayo - LGiU

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Clew Bay Bike Trail – Building momentum in Mayo - LGiU

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Background

First up in our series of articles exploring the winners at Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, we hear from Mayo County Council on how the Clew Bike trail won the Supporting Tourism Award.

The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a new combined bike and ferry route looping magical Clew Bay in Co. Mayo, including both Clare Island and Achill Island. The trail incorporates two short ferry journeys, one from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh to Clare Island and the other from Clare Island to Achill Island. Visitors to the trail can access it at any point and it can be cycled in either direction. The trail primarily utilises the existing Great Western Greenway, along with a section of segregated cycle paths and some sections of local roads.

The trail offers a new and different way to experience Clew Bay from every angle. New ferry sailings now connect Clare Island and Achill Island. It's a glorious route through some of Mayo's most attractive seaside towns including Westport, Louisburgh and Mulranny. The total distance is 105km and includes a 10km loop on Clare Island. Keen cyclists can do it in a day, but the best experience is staying overnight on one of the islands and exploring the beauty of what the area has to offer.

Project objectives

The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a tourism experience and community resource offering a 105km cycling trail. Westport and Achill Island are the most established key tourism destination areas in west Mayo. The aim of the Clew Bay Bike Trail is to ultimately disburse visitors from these key hotspots to the wider area and, in return, hopefully, support the development of Clew Bay as a key visitor destination. The trail initially is targeting cycling groups, families, corporate groups and groups of friends. Over time the plan will be to build on this initiative and to further develop a number of additional visitor experiences.

The aims and objectives achieved include:

development of a new tourism product that leverages the natural heritage of Clew Bay in west Mayo

connecting and cross-selling the towns, villages, communities, activities and attractions along the trail.

Supporting the local tourism economy through an increase in the hospitality and activity businesses and sustain, support and encourage job creation.

Increasing visitor numbers for day trips and overnights in the Clew Bay region.

Linking all communities along the trail to enable collaboration in the development and promotion of the region.

Cross-selling tourism experiences along the Clew Bay Bike including Croagh Patrick, Westport House, Achill Island, Wild Nephin National Parks, The Islands, etc.

Stakeholder engagement

A number of workshop meetings had previously taken place inviting communities to participate, and from that a stakeholder group was established to further drive Tourism development in the Clew Bay area. One of the key objectives identified was to develop a marketing initiative around Clew Bay but in particular the development of new product offerings. One of the key product offerings identified was the Clew Bay Bike Trail.

The Clew Bay Bike was piloted during the summer of 2021. In terms of making this initiative a reality, a focus group was established, following on from same this group had to engage with the community at large, including the tourism destination groups; Achill Tourism, Destination Westport, Louisburgh Community Futures, Mulranny Community Futures, boat/ferry operators, bike hire operators and tourism related business. The community got behind the initiative in many ways: like for example in terms of the business community, the ferry operators increased their ferry schedules, and they also provided extra links between the two islands of Clare Island and Achill Island. Both bike hire companies, accommodation providers, ferry companies and participating destinations are bundling packages where you can purchase a complete package for one inclusive price.

Collaborations

The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a collaborative project involving Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland working together with Ferry Operators, Bike Rental Companies and localised Tour Operators in the introduction of this new 105km Cycling Loop around Clew Bay. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is highlighted as a catalyst project in the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan. The ferry companies provided new ferry services to Achill in order to facilitate the development of this route. They also increased their scheduled crossings to facilitate additional visitors. In addition, they provided chartered services for cycling groups and clubs. The Bike Hire Companies and local Tour Operators also got behind the initiative to ensure quality service and offerings along the route.

Building capacity

From a tourism perspective, the target sector was the tourism providers in the Clew Bay area and the Wild Atlantic Way. This new tourism product provides another reason for visitors to choose County Mayo - Clew Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way, North of Galway and increases visitor capacity and dwell time in this area. The tourism providers located along the Clew Bay Bike Trail strongly supported the development of the product and continue to use it as part of their own promotions through packages, bundles and digital marketing. Information is provided with content in terms of high-quality photography, copywriting, brochure, video and an interactive map that they could use on their online platforms to promote the experience. This was also made available on this dedicated site here.

Funding

The development of this new unique Clew Bay Bike Trail has resulted in a collaboration in the operation and marketing of the Product. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is being offered and marketed as a packaged experience, with several services/activities being bundled together. For example, the ferry is being provided with bike hire, guided tours and drop-off/collection services. This has created value-added and ensures the customer a much better experience. An example of this is the bundling of cycle hire with cultural activities including photography and nature tours with local operators.

The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a joint marketing initiative involving a number of stakeholders Marketing efforts are being pooled among the partners and new technologies are being utilized. A new dedicated website www.clewbaybiketrail.ie, coordinated by Mayo County Council, provides a one-stop shop for all Clew Bay Bike Trail related activities (accommodation, bike hire, sample itinerary etc.) and it is directly linked to partner websites and to social media streams including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and U-tube. Funding for this Initiative was made available from the following partners: Fáilte Ireland, Mayo County Council, Achill Tourism, Clare Island Community Development Office, Destination Westport and the local ferry operators.

Impact

The success of the Clew Bay Bike Trail, not just in terms of visitor numbers and revenue, which have exceeded all targets, but in particular the positive transformational change in communities and in particular our Islands of Achill and Clare Island along the route have made this project exemplary and lead to unprecedented positive publicity for the area.

Another major success of the project is the collaboration that has been promoted amongst all the service providers along the trail. This exemplary partnership brings added value to the Clew Bay product.

The provision of the Clew Bay Bike Trail has provided the necessary platform to enable a number of local businesses to grow and for new opportunities to emerge. Opportunities such as bike hire, activity tour operators, food/accommodation and transport services have all been exploited by local businesses/entrepreneurs, resulting in new seasonal jobs and tourism services. Existing businesses are also collaborating with each other to offer tourists improved services such as bundled packages i.e. - accommodation with food, bike hire, guided tours and drop-off/collection services.

The job creating capabilities of the Clew Bay Bike Trail currently supports 34 seasonal jobs and with further potential are tremendously important to all in this area. In its first season of operation it has attracted an additional 16,500 visitors to Clare Island and to the Clew Bay Bike Trail, this measurement was captured by local ferry companies and accommodation providers.

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Clew Bay Bike Trail - Building momentum in Mayo - LGiU

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First up in our series of articles exploring the winners at Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, we hear from Mayo County Council on how the Clew Bike trail won the Supporting Tourism Award. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a new combined bike and ferry route looping magical Clew Bay in Co.

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Local Government Festival of the Year – Ennis MELA - LGiU

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Local Government Festival of the Year – Ennis MELA - LGiU

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, Clare County Council tells us about the success of Ennis MELA.
Ennis MELA was a new initiative by the Arts Office of Clare County Council to encourage performance and sharing by culturally diverse groups in the town. Curated and produced by Fidget Feet, an Aerial Dance Company, local musicians gathered with performers from Belfast Mela to put on a free day of activity, food and fun. The day featured performances from India, Nepal, Spain, South America and Pakistan as was compered by a member of the travelling community. The Market Building in Ennis, which normally functions as a car park, was transformed with staging, backdrops and flags to host the open air event which attracted large crowds and a very receptive audience.

The inclusion of the travelling community was very positive and the compere for the event, the rapper Willzee, was excellent, making people feel welcome and at home.

The target sector were locally diverse communities, particularly those who don't speak English as a first language. They were identified as having had a particularly hard time during Covid-19, with language barriers mitigating against them in terms of day-to-day communication and in online activities. Many became very insular, only speaking to family members and mixing within their own communities. Ennis MELA grew out of a cultural response to Covid-19, to assist people with their creativity and wellbeing and as a means of overcoming social isolation (particularly amongst the elderly). MELA was a way of reaching out to them, to encourage them to come out and enjoy activities that they would feel comfortable with - traditional songs and dance from their own countries. It also provided an audience for many who had not been able to perform for quite a long time, something that was deeply appreciated by them.

The local community was involved in some of the performances sharing their traditional music and dance skills. As a showcase, we had hoped that the event would be a catalyst for increased future participation in cultural activities and the reaction to it seems to have realised this aim as very successful intercultural events also took place on Culture Night and St. Patrick's Day, following the MELA.

Funded by Clare County Council and through the Arts Councils 'In the Open' Covid Response Scheme. Fidget Feet curated a spectacular event. A significant investment took place by engaging a community co-ordinator to liaise with the various community organisations and groups working with diverse communities in Ennis. This in person engagement developed relationships in the community from which lasting contacts have emerged. Relationships have been strengthened between the local authority arts office and diverse communities, through this investment.

The impact of the initiative was measured in two ways:

1. a) audience numbers were monitored but reflections on the make-up of the audience were also noted to enable us to gauge the communities that engaged the most.

2. b) We noted the number of participating artists and their ethnicities. The performers were especially grateful for the opportunity to perform as many were professional artists whose livelihoods had been significantly affected by Covid-19.

The event struck a chord with many, as other performers who came to watch the festival made themselves known to the organisers, wishing to be involved in future performances. There was significant interest in the further development of the festival from the audience with offers of volunteering etc. going forward. This reach is invaluable in terms of building bridges with and between the various communities in the town and there is a strong desire, following on from the Ennis Mela for further opportunities to connect and perform.

This innovative festival is developing as an inclusive cultural initiative. This curated and professionally produced coming together has assisted in developing an impetus for further collaborations between diverse groups in the county. It is anticipated that the MELA will grow significantly over the coming years, encompassing new communities and diverse voices. There is a significant community of LGBTQI people in Clare, and the local authority has a long-running arts programme with disabled people in the county. We plan to include both sectors going forward. and we would hope to expand the MELA to incorporate these elements also. We see the MELA as an opportunity for our diverse communities to meet under the umbrella of arts and culture, as an opportunity to not only find their voice but raise their voices with pride and as a wonderful way of building relationships throughout the county.

We are very much looking forward to the next MELA taking place on June 10th, 2023 in Killaloe Co. Clare.

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Local Government Festival of the Year - Ennis MELA - LGiU

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, Clare County Council tells us about the success of Ennis MELA. Ennis MELA was a new initiative by the Arts Office of Clare County Council to encourage performance and sharing by culturally diverse groups in the town.

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Community sports facilities – a tale from Glen Eira - LGiU

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Community sports facilities – a tale from Glen Eira - LGiU

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Increasingly, councils are tasked with balancing the health and wellbeing benefits of their community sports assets with a tougher financial outlook. In this article, Glen Eira City Council, Australia, shares how they've risen to the challenge while redeveloping an old swimming pool. This article is featured in our latest edition of Global Local. Click here to read more about how councils can help improve mental wellbeing in their communities.
History

The Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool, formally the Caufield Memorial Pool, was built in 1966. It is a much-loved part of Glen Eira and many generations of the community grew up at the pool.

The redevelopment of Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool has been part of Glen Eira City Council's forward planning for some time. The plans were brought forward when we discovered a significant leak at the start of the 2020-2021 summer season. Professional investigations revealed it wasn't possible to repair the leak, so we had to keep the pool closed.

The transformation of the pool into a contemporary community aquatic facility will benefit the Glen Eira community for generations to come.

Proposed redevelopment

The Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool redevelopment is an important project for our community. It will create new opportunities for local residents, and the wider community, to make new friends, learn new skills and maintain healthy lifestyles. The redevelopment will stimulate job opportunities in the local area, assisting with post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

The redevelopment will broaden the facilities at Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool. This will help us cater for the year-round demand for aquatic and leisure facilities by providing:

more opportunities to improve physical and mental wellbeing, specifically through learn-to-swim and other programs;

improved user experience of the facilities;

enhanced community feel and connectedness while still enjoying the essential elements which contribute to the current swim centre's character; and

a more sustainable facility with improved accessibility.

Community consultation

We consulted the Glen Eira community in 2015, 2018, again in late 2019 and early 2020. We wanted to understand what is important to you for the redevelopment of Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool.

We created a Community Reference Group in December 2019 to help guide the design development process for the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool redevelopment.

The feedback we collected through this extensive engagement process helped inform the designs.

From October 2019 to January 2020, we asked the community to vote on the proposed designs for the Centre. A total of 1,364 community members took part in this consultation.

We consulted with the community again from 1 July to 12 August 2020. During this time, we asked for feedback on the concept design for the proposed redevelopment of Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool. The concept design included indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor dive pool and increased wet and dry wellness facilities.

We received a strong, positive response to the concept design. Most criticisms were minor and we considered and incorporated them into the design concept, where possible. We heard the community wanted to retain the essential elements of Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool.

We have kept the Centre within its current footprint. The design incorporates a red brick, timber and concrete facade, which is a contemporary tribute to mid-century design. We are keeping the war memorial signage, the 'grassy hill' and lots of native landscaping and open space. We plan to apply for a Green Star rating in response to the Council's recent declaration of climate emergency and net zero emissions by 2025.

Design

The new year-round aquatic and leisure facility will be one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable centres in the world. It will be designed and constructed to a Six Star Green Star rating with climate resilience, low energy operations and maximum water efficiency, and will include:

an outdoor 50-metre, eight-lane pool

an indoor warm water program pool and 25-metre learn-to-swim pool

an outdoor diving pool

a concourse spa

learn-to-swim programs, a therapeutic warmwater pool and numerous allied health services

indoor sauna, steam room and accessible changerooms

allied health treatment rooms

program rooms for classes such as yoga and Pilates

outdoor children's splash pad

lawn areas and open spaces (including retention of the eastern mound)

a café, barbecue, and shaded seating areas

retention of design references to the past such as the post-war style signage, the red brick and retaining the eastern hill

Construction

Glen Eira City Council awarded ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd the contract ($62m) to deliver the project with a revised total project cost of $75m.

We have been successful in securing $15m of funding through the Australian Government as part of our advocacy efforts and we will continue to advocate to the Victorian Government as the project continues. Construction commenced in early 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in late 2024.

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Community sports facilities - a tale from Glen Eira - LGiU

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Increasingly, councils are tasked with balancing the health and wellbeing benefits of their community sports assets with a tougher financial outlook. In this article, Glen Eira City Council, Australia, shares how they've risen to the challenge while redeveloping an old swimming pool.

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Ireland’s first outdoor learn to cycle track – an award winning health and wellbeing project in Waterford City and County Council

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, we hear about Ireland’s first outdoor learn to

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, South Dublin County Council tells us about Think Big Space in South Dublin Libraries.
Background

With Think Big Space, South Dublin Libraries continues its tradition as a national leader when it comes to library service innovation.

The first library authority in Ireland to offer eBooks.

Tallaght Library pioneered the use of self-service when it reopened after refurbishment.

The early year's music classes, in partnership with Music Generation, are hosted across the branch network.

If you need to create a prototype for your latest jewellery design or replace a missing Lego piece, there's a 3D printer in your local branch of South Dublin Libraries.

These are just some of the examples of how we have and continue to deliver library services that break with tradition. We have done this in the past and will continue to deliver for the citizens of South Dublin programmes and services that bridge the digital divide and play our part in delivering a future of greater equality of opportunity.

The importance of South Dublin's libraries

Amazon Web Services have donated many Think Big Spaces across the world, but this is the first of its kind in Europe, not in Ireland, in Europe, and it's here in South Dublin.

Libraries are a perfect example of what is called a third space. Somewhere that isn't work and isn't home. The library is a communal space where you can be yourself and be who you want to be without any expectations. It is not work and it is not school. This Think Big Space is also unique as it is the first AWS-donated lab not to be in a school.

Going to back when I was a kid, Lego was my virtual reality. It's how I made the objects in my imagination appear in the real world. I never quite managed to create exactly what I was thinking of but learned so much along the way. Getting it wrong and starting again. I didn't realise I was developing my mathematical skills and spatial awareness, learning how to problem solve and come up with new ideas because I was just messing around with Lego.

A partnership with South Dublin County Council

So, a bit more about Think Big Space. It is a partnership between South Dublin County Council and Amazon Web Services, aimed at providing a place beyond the standard classroom for students to explore and cultivate an interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and STEAM-related careers. The space is a dedicated physical location that provides students, educators, and the local community with access to resources for learning about cloud computing and technology. The goal is to encourage a hands-on approach where students think big to solve real-world problems.

Think Big Spaces support technology curricula, student tech programs, adult education, reskilling, and upskilling programs for children and adults in communities closest to where AWS builds and maintains data centres. The partnership between South Dublin County Council and AWS brings together the expertise in cloud computing and technology of a global tech company and the intimate local knowledge and collaborative relationships of the library service with local schools and community groups.

Think Big Space has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that students and the wider community have access to high-quality resources to learn about cloud computing and technology in an equitable way. AWS has donated interactive screens, tablets, VR headsets, and other resources to furnish the labs and create an immersive, hands-on approach to learning. This initiative by South Dublin Libraries builds on its track record as national leader when it comes to library service innovation. They deliver library services that break with tradition and programs that bridge the digital divide, playing their part in delivering a future of greater equality of opportunity.

As mentioned, libraries are a perfect example of what is called a third space, somewhere that isn't work and isn't home. In Think Big Space, students are introduced to concepts that will shape their future such as robotics and virtual reality in a relaxed environment outside of the classroom.

The current program will support interactive hands-on learning and will be available for 4th class to 6th class primary school groups, and 1st year to 4th year secondary school groups. Since its launch in April 2021, the Think Big Space has hosted nearly 3,500 children at 130 workshops.

Over the last decade, AWS has invested over €1 billion in capital and operational expenditure in South Dublin, which has led to an increase in economic output of over €280 million, including direct, indirect, and induced effects. In the same year, investment in data centres in South Dublin supported nearly 2,500 jobs directly and indirectly, rising seven-fold since 2011.

Educational disadvantage is a real issue for our communities, so by providing additional STEAM learning resources as part of the AWS Think Big Space, facilitated by some of the best technical experts, we hope to help local students have equal opportunities to achieve their potential. South Dublin is the first location in Europe to launch an AWS Think Big Space, and this is because of the council's focus on innovation and nurturing digital skills for the local community.

Final remarks

In conclusion, the development of the Think Big Space has been a significant milestone for the South Dublin Libraries, and as the County Librarian, I am delighted to have been part of this project. The space has become a hub of innovation and creativity, providing young people with an opportunity to access cutting-edge technology, develop their skills and pursue their passions. With the support of our partners and sponsors, we have been able to deliver a unique and dynamic learning experience to the young people of South Dublin. I am confident that the Think Big Space will continue to inspire and empower young people for years to come, and I look forward to seeing the many great things that will be achieved in this fantastic facility.

Clew Bay Bike Trail - Building momentum in Mayo

Applications to the 2023 Excellence in Local Government Awards are now open! Click here to submit before 12 noon, Friday 5th May.

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Thinks Big Space! Library innovation in South Dublin County Council - LGiU

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, South Dublin County Council tells us about Think Big Space in South Dublin Libraries. With Think Big Space, South Dublin Libraries continues its tradition as a national leader when it comes to library service innovation.

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, Clare County Council tells us about the success of Ennis MELA.
Ennis MELA was a new initiative by the Arts Office of Clare County Council to encourage performance and sharing by culturally diverse groups in the town. Curated and produced by Fidget Feet, an Aerial Dance Company, local musicians gathered with performers from Belfast Mela to put on a free day of activity, food and fun. The day featured performances from India, Nepal, Spain, South America and Pakistan as was compered by a member of the travelling community. The Market Building in Ennis, which normally functions as a car park, was transformed with staging, backdrops and flags to host the open air event which attracted large crowds and a very receptive audience.

The inclusion of the travelling community was very positive and the compere for the event, the rapper Willzee, was excellent, making people feel welcome and at home.

The target sector were locally diverse communities, particularly those who don't speak English as a first language. They were identified as having had a particularly hard time during Covid-19, with language barriers mitigating against them in terms of day-to-day communication and in online activities. Many became very insular, only speaking to family members and mixing within their own communities. Ennis MELA grew out of a cultural response to Covid-19, to assist people with their creativity and wellbeing and as a means of overcoming social isolation (particularly amongst the elderly). MELA was a way of reaching out to them, to encourage them to come out and enjoy activities that they would feel comfortable with - traditional songs and dance from their own countries. It also provided an audience for many who had not been able to perform for quite a long time, something that was deeply appreciated by them.

The local community was involved in some of the performances sharing their traditional music and dance skills. As a showcase, we had hoped that the event would be a catalyst for increased future participation in cultural activities and the reaction to it seems to have realised this aim as very successful intercultural events also took place on Culture Night and St. Patrick's Day, following the MELA.

Funded by Clare County Council and through the Arts Councils 'In the Open' Covid Response Scheme. Fidget Feet curated a spectacular event. A significant investment took place by engaging a community co-ordinator to liaise with the various community organisations and groups working with diverse communities in Ennis. This in person engagement developed relationships in the community from which lasting contacts have emerged. Relationships have been strengthened between the local authority arts office and diverse communities, through this investment.

The impact of the initiative was measured in two ways:

1. a) audience numbers were monitored but reflections on the make-up of the audience were also noted to enable us to gauge the communities that engaged the most.

2. b) We noted the number of participating artists and their ethnicities. The performers were especially grateful for the opportunity to perform as many were professional artists whose livelihoods had been significantly affected by Covid-19.

The event struck a chord with many, as other performers who came to watch the festival made themselves known to the organisers, wishing to be involved in future performances. There was significant interest in the further development of the festival from the audience with offers of volunteering etc. going forward. This reach is invaluable in terms of building bridges with and between the various communities in the town and there is a strong desire, following on from the Ennis Mela for further opportunities to connect and perform.

This innovative festival is developing as an inclusive cultural initiative. This curated and professionally produced coming together has assisted in developing an impetus for further collaborations between diverse groups in the county. It is anticipated that the MELA will grow significantly over the coming years, encompassing new communities and diverse voices. There is a significant community of LGBTQI people in Clare, and the local authority has a long-running arts programme with disabled people in the county. We plan to include both sectors going forward. and we would hope to expand the MELA to incorporate these elements also. We see the MELA as an opportunity for our diverse communities to meet under the umbrella of arts and culture, as an opportunity to not only find their voice but raise their voices with pride and as a wonderful way of building relationships throughout the county.

We are very much looking forward to the next MELA taking place on June 10th, 2023 in Killaloe Co. Clare.

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Local Government Festival of the Year - Ennis MELA - LGiU

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Next up in our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, Clare County Council tells us about the success of Ennis MELA. Ennis MELA was a new initiative by the Arts Office of Clare County Council to encourage performance and sharing by culturally diverse groups in the town.