Mallow Development Partnership, established in 2003 at the initiative of Mallow Chamber (formerly Mallow Chamber of Commerce), has been to the forefront in ensuring regular and effective collaboration between a range of various key stakeholders involved in the socio-economic development of Mallow.
During 2007, the Partnership recognised the need to consider a strengthening of its structure. In particular, this evolved from Mallows designation as a "HUB" town in the National Spatial Strategy, the review of the Mallow Chamber commissioned Goodbody Economic Consultants "Demographic and Economic Development Strategy" report which indicated significant growth projections for Mallow, and the preparation of a Special Local Area Plan for Mallow jointly by the Town and County Councils aimed at strategically positioning Mallow to ensure that it can maximise benefits from its HUB town Status. Of significance also, is the inclusion by the Cork County Development Board, of Mallow HUB, as one of its key priorities for the period 2006-2008.
Following extensive deliberations by the members of the Partnership in conjunction with representatives of the County Development Board, a strengthening of its structure was formally agreed in March 2007.
The project includes six working groups:
- Infrastructure & Transport
- Heritage & Tourism
- Recreation & Youth
- Education
- Health
- Enterprise & Employment
Actions undertaken and those progressing to date include:
- Development of an integrated Heritage Plan
- Recreation and Amenity Strategy
- Parking Strategy
- Review of Educational facilities usage
- Health Strategy
- HUB Marketing Strategy & Hub website
- Town Enhancement Plan
- Town loop Walk.
This model, in our view, is unique in Irish local Government at present and is an exemplary benchmark for effective and successful partnership structures at a local level. It has been welcomed as a new way to engage with all those with an interest in and responsibility for the development of the Hub town and its services. It will achieve better service delivery, secure extra resources and achieve value for money by involving all stakeholders.
The initiative is led by Mr. Tim Lucey, North Cork Divisional Manager, Cork County Council, chaired by Mr. John McDonnell, Mallow Development Partnership and is facilitated by Ms. Fiona Hayes, Office of Community & Enterprise, Cork County Council.
Mallow Hub Town Project wins Chambers Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Award
Mallow Hub Town Project was a category winner at Chambers Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Awards. The project was commended under the County/City Development Board Integrated Service Delivery category for encouraging balanced and sustainable development in the Mallow area.
The award is recognition for the County Development Board process which has facilitated the significant enhancement of Mallow Development Partnership, into a Forum which now has representation from all state, community and business sectors who have a direct influence on the Mallows advancement.
The announcement of the national award is seen as a major endorsement of the Partnership structure which was initially established from the initiative of Mallow Chamber in 2004.
L-R Back Row
Mr. Tim Lucey, Divisional Manager, Ms. Katherine Walshe, Director of Services, Mr. Martin Riordan, County Manager, Ms. Sharon Corcoran, Director of Services, Mr. John McDonnell, Chairman, Mallow Development Partnership, Ms. Fiona Hayes, Administrative Officer, , Cllr. Jerry Mulally.
L-R Front Row
Mr. Dermott Graham, President, Mallow Chamber, Cllr. Tom Sheahan, County Mayor, and Cllr. Noel O'Connor, Mayor of Mallow.
