29/11/2016

New National Healthy Cities For Ireland Initiative Launched

A new initiative to promote better physical and mental health has been launched today, 29 November.

Health Minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy unveiled the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network in Dublin City Hall.

The Healthy Cities scheme was set up in 1987 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the creation of a society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level.

During the ceremony, Minister Corcoran Kennedy presided over the presentation of certificates of accreditation to the Network to Waterford City and County Council, Cork City Council, Galway City Council, South Dublin County Council and Offaly County Council.

In addition, she congratulated the Counties on making a commitment to work to become healthier places for all their citizens by working to implement Healthy Ireland, the National Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025.

The Minister said: "As a former elected member of a Local Authority I know that Local Authorities are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation. I know the influence and reach that Local Authorities have in every community and I see huge potential for them to contribute to building a healthier Ireland.

"I believe that we cannot achieve the vision of Healthy Ireland without the involvement of every Local Authority in Ireland. Healthy Ireland is all about supporting and empowering communities and individuals to lead healthier lives and the involvement of Local Authorities and the Local Community Development Committees is critical."

(LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

31 July 2012
€30m Savings To Be Achieved In Tipperary Council Merger
Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government today welcomed the publication by the Tipperary Reorganisation Implementation Group of the Implementation Plan for the establishment of a unified local authority in Tipperary.
30 August 2013
Irishman Secures Broadcasting Rights For World Cup Qualifier
An Irishman has bought the Australian television rights to a World Cup qualifying match between Ireland and Sweden. 38-year-old David Feeney, from Deansgrange in Dublin, but who has been living in Sydney for 16 years, is believed to have paid tens of thousands to buy the rights from a German company.
01 April 2015
Minister Announces €1.5bn Social Housing Plan
Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly T.D. has announced housing targets for each local authority area out to 2017. Over €1.5bn will be invested in a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes by local authorities designed to accommodate 25% of those currently on the housing waiting lists in social housing.
10 March 2014
€15m Fund Announced For Vacant Homes
A €15m fund to bring vacant local authority houses back into use has been launched by Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD. Local authorities have been asked to submit their proposals for funding under the scheme by 28th March next.
13 February 2015
Dublin Council Commits To Solar Energy
Dublin City Council is to invest more in solar energy production this year, following a report that showed the city is a suitable location for the renewable energy source. A new 'IBM Smarter Cities Challenge' report has been published by the City Council. It said investing in solar energy production could pay for itself in seven to 13 years.