Example 19: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Operations and Building Services Department.
• The Northern Ireland Public Sector Energy Managers Forum which consists of energy and estate managers from across NILA and the wider NI public sector, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and central government department heads.

Purpose:

• Meetings take place periodically.
• Staff and sector experts share best practice, learning, and experience.

Outcome:

• We revised established processes to implement best practice and learning.
• This forum builds good relationships with public sector and industry colleagues to develop our understanding of emerging technologies.

Example 20: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Operations and Building Services Department, and the Climate and Sustainability Department.
• The Electric Vehicle Consortium for Local Authorities.

Purpose:

• To develop a joined-up approach to procuring, installing, and operating the public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity to identify risk register items for current and future projects, the design control measures for same, and to develop specifications suited to procurement of material portion and service delivery, of electric vehicle infrastructure projects.

Example 21: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Communities, Parks Development, and Outdoor Recreation Departments.
• Fermanagh and Omagh (Arney and Nixon Hall Community Trails).

Purpose:

• The development of community trails, as indicated by the Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
• To review lessons learned and successes from the project.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity for development for future funding in small settlements within the Borough.

Example 22: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Communities, Parks Development, and Outdoor Recreation Departments.
• Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (Oxford Island).

Purpose:

• To review the new play park, consider the installation approach, issues encountered, and lessons learnt.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity to implement learning, particularly in relation to the redevelopment of Carnfunnock Country Park.

Example 23: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Communities, Parks Development, and Outdoor Recreation Departments.
• Lisburn and Castlereagh (Interactive Trail).

Purpose:

• The development of community trails, as indicated by the Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
• To review lessons learned and successes from the project.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity to implement learning, particularly in relation to the redevelopment of Carnfunnock Country Park.

Example 24: March 2023

Parties:

• The MEABC Communities, Parks Development, and Outdoor Recreation Departments.
• Newry, Mourne and Down (Castlewellan Forest Park).

Purpose:

• To review the new play park, consider the installation approach, issues encountered, and lessons learnt.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity to implement learning, particularly in relation to the redevelopment of Carnfunnock Country Park.

Example 25: March 2023

Parties:

• The MEABC Communities, Parks Development, and Sustainable Development.
• Ards and North Down Borough Council (Bangor Castle).

Purpose:

• To view sustainability in action, including a tour of the walled garden, meeting apprentices, and viewing sustainable planting areas.

Outcome:

• This was an opportunity for the implementation of learning, particularly in relation to staff training in development and operations.

Example 26: Ongoing

Parties:

• The MEABC Planning and Building Control Department.
• The Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee.

Purpose:

• Participation in debate and development of proposed revision to Building Regulations and allied legislation.

Outcome:

• Information was communicated to staff.
• The Building Control structure was reviewed.
• The new structure is currently being implemented.
• We responded to Central Government consultations from an informed position on behalf of Council.

Example 27: March 2023

Parties:

• The MEABC Tourism Department.
• The Northern Ireland Craft Maker Forum.

Purpose:

• To network and build contacts.

Outcome:

• New methods were implemented to improve visitor experience at events.
• The networking resulted in a new event at Arthur Cottage, which involved Quilters from local groups.

Example 28: March 2023

Parties:

• The MEABC Tourism Department.
• Devon Town.

Purpose:

• Tourism benchmarking visit to see how Devon develop and promote their food offering through Clusters.

Outcome:

Lessons learnt:

• Clusters need to be industry-led.
• Collaboration takes time and is built on trust.
• The Council should put in frameworks to support clusters.

Actions taken:

• Officers are planning on developing a food trail along the Causeway Coastal Route.
• Officers are investigating opportunities for developing Foodie Events in the Borough.
• Officers are looking at collaboration with Causeway Coast and Glens Council on foodie experiences.

Example 29: January 2023

Parties:

• The MEABC Tourism Department.
• Wicklow and Dublin.

Purpose:

• Tourism benchmarking educational visit to see tourist attractions in the Republic of Ireland.

Outcome:

Lessons learnt:

• Community engagement and support is vital.
• Confidence in our local product is lacking, when we should be very proud of what we have to offer and how well we are already delivering for guests.
• Customer feedback is essential.

Actions taken:

• Working groups for new City Deal projects are being reviewed, with Community Engagement a core focus.
• There is renewed focus on product development and collaboration between local attractions.
• A new feedback system has been implemented at The Gobbins.