Insight Podcast
Insight is an engaging podcast from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, designed to shine a light on the work happening behind the scenes at your local authority.
Each episode explores one of the 1,000+ services we provide to the public, featuring conversations with the staff who make it all happen. From community initiatives to infrastructure projects, Insight brings you closer to the people and stories driving change across the county.
All episodes are available to stream through the player above, and our podcast is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
If there is a service you would like us to examine on the podcast, email us at commsoffice@dlrcoco.ie
Episode 11: An Cathaoirleach
In this episode we are joined by An Cathaoirleach Jim O'Leary, As first citizen of the county and the first Cathaoirleach of a new council Jim talks to Cathal about his pride for the county, plans for the year ahead and more.
If you enjoy this episode, make sure you subscribe and let people know about our podcast.
Episode 10: Dún Laoghaire Harbour
In this episode we are joined by Harbour Operations Manager Tim Ryan and learn more about the History of Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the process of developing the Harbour Masterplan which is a long-term strategy for the future of the Harbour.
What do you envisage for the future of the Harbour? We currently have a consultation on display until the 23 October, 2024 which you can get involved in at dlrcoco.ie
Episode 8: Flood Management
On this episode, Cathal is joined by Liam to discuss the Council's work in the area of flood management. One of the implications of Climate Change is that heavy rainfall events are becoming more common than they were previously. And more rainfall means a greater chance of flooding. Luckily, the Council are constantly taking action to prevent flooding, using a variety of approaches to deal with these heavy rainfall events.
Listen to the episode to learn about some of the systems we have adopted in the Council and how we are constantly working behind the scenes to prepare for flooding and heavy rainfall.
Episode 7: Housing Delivery
On this episode, Cathal is joined by two guests - Catherine Keenan and Louise McGauran. Catherine is the Director of Housing in dlr and in her chat with Cathal she covers the various ways in which the Council acquire and provide homes to people, ranging from social housing to cost rental and affordable purchase schemes. Louise is a Senior Planner and in the second part of the episode she sheds some light on how the Council is involved in the private residential sector as well, discussing targets, planning permission, and commencement notices among other topics.
Episode 6: Engineering in dlr
On this episode, Cathal dives into the world of engineering in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. He is joined by two engineers, James & Margaret, to discuss their role in the Council and their involvement in a wide variety of projects and disciplines, and he finds out what makes them proud to be an engineer with the Council.
Episode 5: The Dún Laoghaire Baths
On this episode, Cathal talks to Bob Hannan, a Senior Architect in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and the man who has been tasked with leading the massive project of refurbishing the Dún Laoghaire Baths.
Join Cathal as he talks to Bob about the many different features of the Baths, including enhanced swimming facilities, artist studios, a walkway, a café, and of course the beautiful views that have been carefully engineered into the Baths by Bob and his team, recreating the twisting, turning shoreline of the original Baths of yesteryear.
Episode 4: Active Travel
On this episode, Cathal is joined by Conor Geraghty, the Council's expert when it comes to Active Travel in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Conor is the Senior Engineer on the Active Travel team in the Council, and has been heavily involved in the many recent infrastructure projects across the County that have seen a massive increase in the promotion of Active Travel.
So what exactly is Active Travel? What projects have the Council been involved in? have we seen an increase in the number of people walking and cycling around the County? What projects do we currently have in the pipeline or underway? Listen to this episode of Insight to find out!
Episode 3: Home Energy
Join Cathal on this episode of Insight, where he talks to his colleague Feidhlim about his work on the award winning dlr Energy Team, as they explore the various things the Council is doing to reduce its energy consumption, and cover a few simple things you can do at home to reduce your consumption (and your bills!).
Feidhlim also talks about the dlr Home Energy Upgrade ‘Meet the Experts’ in County Hall on Sunday, 16th of October.
Episode 2: dlr Grants Scheme 2023
On our second episode of Insight, Ian & Deirdre talk to Cathal about the dlr Grants Scheme for 2023, focusing on the Community and Heritage Grants that are available.
The dlr Grants Scheme provides funding for local initiatives that promote growth and development in five key areas: Business Area Promotion Arts Community Environment & Climate Action, Heritage & Sports.
In 2022, the Grants scheme awarded more than €500,000 to projects around the County. For more information on the Grants and to apply online, click here.
Episode 1: Irish Language in the Council
On our first episode of Insight, we sit down with dlr's Irish language Development Officer - Conor O'Shea.
After a brief introduction i nGaeilge, Conor discusses, in English, the role he plays in promoting the Irish language both amongst our colleagues, and across the entire County of Dún-Laoghaire-Rathdown, on behalf of dlr.