Cork City Council has had various construction and community infrastructure projects shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.

The council's EnergyCloud Age Friendly pilot, which has been shortlisted in the Age Friendly Initiative category, provides free hot water to older residents in private and local authority housing. The system redirects surplus renewable energy from wind farms overnight to immersion tanks via digital smart switches, making practical use of energy that would otherwise go unused.

Additionally, the Transformation of Ballycannon Park has been shortlisted in the Supporting Sustainable Communities category. Redevelopment work, funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), has focused on upgrading the park for community use. The work includes tarmacing of the car park and footpaths around the GAA pitch, installation of lighting, creation of an exercise zone, a commemorative plinth, extensive new planting to enhance biodiversity, and a new playground. A planning consultant was engaged to secure planning permission for a sports pavilion, which the local community association is now fundraising to build.

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The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, marked the announcement of the shortlisted projects, stating: "The projects that have been shortlisted, show the depth and breadth of the work being carried out by Cork City Council".

Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added: "We are very fortunate to have staff who work every day to ensure Cork is a great place in which to work, live, study and invest."

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 27, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood Park, Santry, Dublin 9. There are 15 award categories in total, ranging from Urban Revival to Festival of the Year.