EMBRACER Staff Exchange Held in Cork

On August 28th and 29th, Irish partners The Environmental Forum, along with associate partners Cork City Council and regional stakeholders from The Transport & Mobility Forum (TMF), hosted a delegation from Slovenia for an EMBRACER Staff Exchange. Representatives from the Municipality of Ljutomer, Development Agency Sinergija, Development Foundation for Pomurje, and the Municipality of Beltinci participated in the two-day event, which highlighted successful initiatives that enhance regional mobility in Cork. The event also facilitated discussions on comparing and contrasting government structure and policies, as well as the development of transport infrastructure and public services in both countries.

The exchange commenced at Cork City Hall: Frank Fitzgerald, representing Sustainable Travel & Road Safety for Cork City Council, led a tour and briefed the delegates on the history and current structure of Cork City Council.
Following the tour, the Slovenian delegation met with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, where they exchanged symbolic gifts on behalf of both regions. The Lord Mayor emphasised the importance of developing sustainable and active transport to connect communities and engaged in discussions about developments in both regions.

The Lord Mayor then led a cycling tour along the picturesque Lee Greenway, showcasing Cork’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and underscoring the city’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
The tour concluded at University College Cork (UCC), where the visitors met with members of the Transport and Mobility Forum, a unique cross-sectoral group dedicated to the development of sustainable transport policies, services, and infrastructure. Delegates were introduced to representatives from UCC, Cork County Council, Green Schools, Get Ireland Walking, Age Friendly Ireland, Access, and Cork University Hospital. They learned how the TMF model supports the goals of each organisation and fosters collaboration to increase the use of sustainable and active travel. The Slovenian representatives also shared good practices from their country, such as free on-demand car services for local communities, supported by volunteers and local authorities to assist mobility in underserved areas.

The meeting focused on sharing initiatives by each organisation to support the development of sustainable and active transport and encourage behavioural change. After a networking lunch with TMF members, the group cycled back to City Hall, where they met Shane Mackey, Senior Executive Engineer at Cork City Council, for a presentation on the MacCurtain Street Public Realm and Transport Improvement Scheme. Shane also discussed existing and developing traffic systems that prioritise pedestrians and active transport while enhancing shared public spaces. He then led a bike tour of the new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure from City Hall to MacCurtain Street.

The day continued with a short cycle to Kent Station, a historic transport hub opened in 1893 that now serves as a key point for Intercity and commuter services. Stephen Hackett, Cork’s Regional Manager for Irish Rail, guided the delegates through the station before they boarded a commuter train service to Midleton, taking their bikes along. The group then experienced cycling on a new greenway to Mogeely, the first in Ireland to connect directly with rail services. Stephen discussed initiatives like the Cork Area Commuter Rail Project, which aims to expand train capacity, increase service frequency, and connect more underserved communities across the region.

The second day of the exchange focused on rural transport connectivity and the success of Local Link Cork. David O’Brien, General Manager of TFI Local Link Cork, along with Aoife Mahony, Senior Executive Engineer for Parks and Greenways at Cork County Council, joined the group on a sunny morning in the city. They travelled by bus to Kinsale, where they boarded the Local Link Cork service 253 from Kinsale to Clonakilty. This allowed the Slovenian delegates to experience firsthand how these services are enhancing transport connectivity in rural Ireland.

Throughout the day, David discussed the development and increased use of the service, which began as a community initiative under the Rural Ireland project. Delegates learned about the service’s flexible routes, which can be adjusted to accommodate door-to-door pickups, and its commitment to accessibility. David also shared insights on collaborating with Discover Ireland to promote the services for tourism, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The two-day Staff Exchange between Ireland and Slovenia provided valuable opportunities for mutual learning and exchange. Partners and stakeholders came together to compare best practices and regional transport initiatives, generating new insights and strategies in line with EMBRACER’s objectives, further advancing sustainable transport solutions in both regions.