Welcome to our new staff spotlight section which highlights the many services delivered by Cork City Council on a daily basis.
In this edition of our staff spotlight, you'll get to know our Night Time Economy Advisor, Fiona Collins.
Tell us about your job?
My role is part of a two-year pilot scheme that focuses on supporting and developing the night-time economy that operates during the evening and into the night – typically from 6 pm to 6 am.
I developed Cork City Council’s first-ever night time economy strategy which covers a number of key items such as transport, safety, policy development and boosting economic growth and culture.
But really for me, it's championing all the good things that happen in Cork City at night.
How did you end up working as the Night Time Economy Advisor for Cork City Council?
Good Question… this is my first time working in a local authority and I have a varied career, working in events, project development and stakeholder engagement – I think all those things together brought me here now.
It might be a Cork thing, but I am very proud of the city and being able to help develop and grow a night time culture and being able to promote it is a nice job.
What does a typical day involve?
Every day is different – there is a lot of engagement with those involved in the night time economy but it’s great to be able to chat about the positive things in the city and try to help to bring people together to solve problems.
Really, I am trying to get everything on my strategy done …….
What is your favourite part of your job?
Talking to everyone involved in the city after dark and hearing how we can build on the amazing offering that we have in the city, as well as helping businesses and growing visitors to the city. While some of these conversations can be difficult, they are really important to evolve our thinking on night time in Cork.
Also walking the city at night, it’s a very different perspective than during the day.
What can make your job challenging at times?
There is negative talk about cities at the moment and trying to change the narrative on views on Cork at night can be a challenge. I’ll keep trying though…
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’m not sure honestly if I would have actually listened but as I have learned myself, always try new things, done is better than perfect and keep learning.