The Mahon Cycle Scheme Consultation Gave Insufficient Notice & Failed To Make Sure That The Community Engagement Process Was Meaningful & Effective.

Cork City Council's failure to uphold the main elements of the proposed Mahon Cycle Scheme, as outline in both the Chief Executive notice of the scheme (29th April 2022) under section 38 of the road traffic Act 1994 and the failure to put in place the agreed mechanism and the principles for inclusive community engagement. These values include a commitment to participation, inclusion, social justice and empowerment. It provide a foundation for collaboration by Local Authorities, Public Sector Bodies, Voluntary Organisation, Government Departments and Agencies.

‘Nothing About Us Without Us’,It is a helpful watchword for any decision-maker, reminding them that the key principle is that no policy or decision should be made by any representative without the full and direct participation of communities, local residents, businesses and the various organisations, sports clubs, and the group(s) affected by that policy.

Mahon Cycle Scheme Notice Under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 Pursuant to the provisions of Section gave insufficient notice of its intention to carry out the following traffic management measures on Ringmahon Road, Avenue de Rennes, Skehard Road, Ballinsheen Road, Sean Cronin Park, Ashwood, Mahon Drive, Lakeland Crescent, Loughmahon Road, Loughmahon Park and Castle Road for the safety and convenience of road users.

It is worth noting the failure of Cork City Council to acknowledge contributions made by residents on the https://consult.corkcity.ie/en/browse?page=11 which registers no submissions, which is not correct, as contributions were made at an event in which some local residents attended. The failure to upload the final report on the consult.corkcity.ie speaks volumes about the lack of adhering to the key principles and values as outline including the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership Working with the Community and Voluntary Sector and Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPR) Consultation Principles.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens/residents who demand Cork City Council to act now to put in place the agreed Values and Principles for Collaboration following on from the failures as outlined above to put the principles of inclusive engagement into practice and address this now by setting up continuous consultation and engagement with all residents.

The engagement process must respond to the context, the participants and the requirements of the proposed policy, strategy, plan, evaluation and decision. It must make it easier for a variety of people to engage, by adopting the use of a range of processes and ways to get communities involved . A great need to provide opportunities for people to engage at different times, in different ways. Remembering the no one-size-fits-all approach to consultation with the 9 principles for inclusive community engagements; Purposeful, Planned, Clear, Inclusive, Collaborative, Accountable, Accessible, Fit for Purpose, Genuine.