Nominated in the Community Category, the Dunmanway garden was created after an initiative leased a one-acre site from Cork County Council and began developing the space with the active involvement of local Councillor Declan Hurley. The project trained people in basic horticultural skills, construction skills and co-operative working. The Garden has improved the community's quality of life. It received further funding from Cork County Council and has engaged workers from an unemployment programme who take visitors on a tour of the garden or help new volunteers in getting involved.
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The garden, along with eight other Irish projects, is among 80 finalists selected for the awards shortlist.
Organised by the Innovation in Politics Institute based in Vienna, the Innovation in Politics Awards aim to recognise groundbreaking political initiatives across Europe at any level of governance that can act as an inspiration to others. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 17 November 2018 in Vienna, Austria.
Over 600 projects from all over Europe were nominated in eight categories: Civilisation, Community, Democracy, Human Rights, Ecology, Jobs, Prosperity, and Quality of Life. The European Jury selected 10 finalists in each category.
Edward Strasser, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovation in Politics Institute said: "With no less than nine Irish finalists selected by citizens across Europe, it is clear that the innovative approaches by Irish politicians stand out. Engagement with citizens, communities, and civil society as well as cross-party collaboration and support are key features of the projects."
(CM)
