9 Irish projects, including DCU, shortlisted for European Innovation in Politics Awards
Nine impactful and diverse Irish projects, including DCU's "Promoting Innovation and Public Engagement," have been shortlisted for this year’s Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Awards. They are among 80 finalists selected by a European jury of 1,053 citizens.
Professor Iain McMenamin, Head of the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University, said: “The poor reputation of democratic politicians is one the greatest problems in the contemporary world. Dublin City University's partnership with the Innovation in Politics Awards reflects our commitment to supporting civic and political leadership both in Ireland and internationally. We are delighted to see such a wide range of innovative Irish projects as finalists. These reflect ground-breaking, dynamic and collaborative work by politicians at Government, Oireachtas, regional and local government levels, which is making a real difference to people and communities around Ireland."
Dr. Deiric Ó Broin, Office of Civic Engagement, Dublin City University added: "We are also delighted that more than 1,000 citizens from across Europe, including Ireland, engaged with the Innovation in Politics Awards process. While Irish citizens did not select projects from Ireland, being a juror provided a great opportunity to learn first-hand what is happening across Europe and be part of choosing the most innovative projects. We also hope that participants take inspiration from their involvement back to their own communities and organisations.”
The 8 other Irish finalists reflecting political innovation are as follows:
Ireland’s LGBTI+ Youth Strategy 2018-20 – Dr. Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs
Legislation & Policy to Protect Victims and Tackle Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence - Frances Fitzgerald TD, former Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality
Protection of Freelance Workers - Senator Ivana Bacik
Atlantic Economic Corridor - Seán Kyne TD, Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources, and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly
Waterford Greenway – Waterford City and County Council
Dunmanway Community Garden – Cork County Council
300K Have Your Say – Participatory Budgeting - South Dublin County Council
Just Eat dublinbikes - Dublin City Council
Peace Link – Building Relations through Sport – Monaghan County Council
In their second year, the Innovation in Politics Awards were established in 2017 by the Innovation in Politics Institute based in Vienna, to give recognition to political work which improves the lives of all Europeans. The list of all 80 finalists can be found on the Innovation in Politics Awards website.