The remit of the CLRG, which was officially launched in February 2016, is to foster innovative research in the areas of local and regional governance. The CLRG also provides a platform where a wide variety of stakeholders including politicians, practitioners, business interests, civic society, and academics can collaborate on innovative research projects. It remains the only research centre in Ireland dedicated to local government.

 ‘CLRG25’ starts at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 5 November (in UCC;s Áras na Laoi, G_30) and will be chaired by UCC’s Prof Theresa Reidy. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy will open this year’s lecture series, followed by Dr Aodh Quinlivan, who will present his CLRG Director’s Report.

Prof Theresa Reidy, Lord Mayor Cllr Fergus Dennehy and Dr Aodh Quinlivan.

Two award winners will then be announced. The Jane Dowdall Undergraduate Essay Prize will be presented to a current first year student in UCC while Paul Moynihan will receive the Philip Monahan Local Government Recognition Award. Paul recently retired after 42 years of dedicated service in Cork City Council and Cork County Council.

Minister John Cummins TD, Valerie O’Sullivan and Prof Colin Copus.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, will discuss local government reform plans in addition to the ongoing work of the Local Democracy Taskforce.

Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, will present her vision for Cork city and describe the opportunities and challenges of working as the administrative head of a large local authority. Finally, UK academic, Prof Colin Copus, will analyse the role of the local councillor in the 21^st century.

This year’s event will also celebrate the forthcoming publication of ‘Leading the Way’ – a book profiling 12 inspirational women who have contributed significantly to the development of local government in Cork.

Published by Cork City Libraries with the support of the Cork City Council’s Commemoration Programme, the book is co-authored by Dr Aodh Quinlivan, John Ger O’Riordan and Anne Twomey, and will be launched on Tuesday 11 November.