Local Lens: Meath County Council’s podcast series connecting community and services

Meath County Council has unveiled Local Lens, an engaging six-episode podcast series designed to enhance communication and raise awareness about the wide array of services available to the county’s over 220,000 residents. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes, providing listeners with informative content that is both accessible and relevant to their daily lives.

Ailish Shaw, Meath County Council Communication Manager, emphasises the initiative’s importance, stating, “Local Lens is another valuable platform for us to connect with the community. Our goal is to ensure that residents are well-informed about who we are and the services we provide. By using multiple channels of communication, including podcasts, we can effectively reach more people and engage with them in a meaningful way.”

The Council provides a diverse array of over 1,000 essential services to the residents of Meath, which presents a significant challenge in ensuring that the community stays informed and engaged. To address this, the local authority employs a variety of communication channels, including local and national newspapers, social media platforms, and radio broadcasts. However, to enhance their outreach and reach over 220,000 residents more effectively, the introduction of a podcast has emerged as a valuable tool. This podcast not only serves as an innovative platform for sharing timely updates and important information but also fosters a sense of community by allowing residents to engage with their local government in a more accessible and relatable manner. Through this initiative, the Council aims to bridge the information gap and strengthen its connection with the people it serves.

The podcast was expertly produced at the Podcast Studios in Dublin, utilising their professional services to ensure a polished final product. Journalist Elaine Keogh hosted the show, bringing her skills and experience to the forefront. Throughout the episodes, Elaine posed thought-provoking and relatable questions that resonated with the audience, fostering a genuine connection. This approach not only encouraged open dialogue but also ensured transparency and accountability with each guest, allowing listeners to gain insightful perspectives on a variety of topics.

The series showcases in-depth interviews with senior staff members who are pivotal in delivering some of the county’s most strategic services. These services encompass a wide range of essential areas, including economic development initiatives designed to boost local and international businesses, housing schemes aimed at providing affordable and social accommodation, community initiatives that foster social cohesion and engagement, as well as road maintenance efforts that ensure safe and accessible transportation routes. The podcast also addresses the pressing issue of climate change, highlighting the county’s initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental care.

In addition to insights from local authority employees, the podcast amplifies the voices of local residents who actively utilise these services. Their personal stories bring to life the impact of the local library services, which serve as a vital resource for the community, and the greenway in Wilkinstown, which offers recreational opportunities for families and promotes active lifestyles. To enhance its appeal and relevance, the podcast also includes a vox pop segment featuring voices from around the globe who participated in the Samhain Festival in Kells. Each contribution not only enriches the narrative but also connects the local community to wider cultural celebrations, making the podcast a comprehensive resource for the public in County Meath.

The initial two episodes of Local Lens were launched in late February, with the subsequent four episodes released over the following four weeks.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep1: Meath the Space and Place to Thrive

In the inaugural episode, “Meath – The Place and Space to Thrive”, host Elaine Keogh sits down with Dara McGowan, Director of Enterprise and Economic Development, to delve into the multifaceted topic of economic development in Meath. In the second episode, “Exploring Meath’s Cultural Treasures, Elaine engages in an enlightening conversation with librarian Aoife Carberry, who highlights the diverse and innovative services available at Meath libraries. Elaine also welcomes County Archivist Patricia Fallon, who discusses the importance of preserving Meath’s rich heritage. Joining them is Senior Engineer John McGrath, who reveals exciting details about a transformative project on the horizon for Navan: the development of a new cultural quarter.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep 2: Exploring Meath’s Cultural Treasures

In the third episode, “Finding Home: Housing Support Insights”, Elaine speaks with Director of Services Fiona Fallon and Housing Settlement Officer Gemma Ryan from Meath County Council’s housing team.  Although this episode only touches on the surface of their work, it highlights the various housing supports available for those seeking their forever home in Meath.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep 3: Finding Home Housing Support Insights

In Episode 4, “Pathways to Sustainability”, we hear from Senior Engineer Caroline Corrigan, who discusses roads and sustainability. We also speak with Cormac Ross, Senior Executive Engineer with Active Travel, who provides insight into the various active travel initiatives currently being implemented in Meath.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep 4: Pathways to Sustainability

In the penultimate episode of season one of Local Lens, “Community Conversations: Inspiring Climate Action and Responsibility”, we engage in an insightful discussion featuring Climate Action Officer Mary Darcy, Environment Education Officer Bernadine Cary, and Community Warden Alan Nolan. Throughout the episode, we delve into a variety of climate action initiatives that are being implemented to combat environmental challenges in our community.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep 5: Community Conversations Inspiring Climate Action and Responsibility

The final episode, titled Vision for the Future, features Kieran Kehoe, the Chief Executive of Meath County Council. Mr. Kehoe delves into his visionary plans and aspirations for the county’s future, exploring key initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Additionally, Kieran shares insights into his responsibilities as Chief Executive, shedding light on the governance and strategic decision-making processes that drive the council’s efforts in fostering growth and development in Meath. This final episode of the series provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the county and the leadership required to navigate them effectively.

Meath County Council Local Lens Ep 6: Vision for the Future

Speaking about Local Lens, Mr Kehoe said, “As we launch this podcast series, we are taking a significant step forward in enhancing community engagement and communication. By utilising an accessible medium, we aim to bridge the gap between local services and residents, fostering a sense of connection and awareness within our community. Through insightful interviews and relatable stories, our podcast not only informs listeners about the diverse range of services available but also promotes participation in community initiatives. As Meath residents tune in, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of our efforts, which strengthens the bond between the council and the people we serve.”

Scan the QR to start listening to Local Lens today!

Concluding Ms Shaw added, “We want ‘Local Lens’ to empower the community to engage actively. This will ensure that residents’ voices are heard and valued in the ongoing discussion about our county’s future. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our listeners; please email locallens@meathcoco.ie.”