Consultation on the establishment of a Public Water Utility
Reform of the water sector in Ireland
Position Paper
Observations & Comments made by Gerardine Lally – Lally &
Associates
Context
Ireland is currently the only country in the OECD that does not pay for its water services
Irish Water will be established as a state company to take over water investment and maintenance of 34 county and city councils
The next phase is to develop a detailed implementation plan for the transition of water services functions from the city and county councils to Irish Water.
The focus of my observations is on the Communications requirements and opportunities.
My experience has demonstrated that proper communications management between project team and impacted stakeholders can lead to successful outcome in projects.
We recently carried out a piece of research with some new Clients who had previous experience of public consultation on projects. We highlighted four key areas of concern :
The same methods are used each time, without regard to either the nature of the consultation or the audience.
The consultation process ends when a decision is taken and no feedback is given to consultees.
Consultation needs to be planned as an integral part of overall project plans, not just an afterthought once proposals/policies have been developed. As large scale consultations will take more than six months to carry out, it is crucial to plan consultation as early as possible.
Organising pre-consultation with key stakeholders is invaluable and often helps to quickly identify the essential elements of a public engagement plan.
Importance
Given the significance and complexities of the establishment of Irish Water, it is essential that appropriate and careful communications is in place to create this new service.
I believe that ambition of Irish Water is to become a sustainable legacy for the nation that all stakeholders will be proud of and that will form the focal point for advancements in the provision of water and also serve as a
testament to the strong economic resource that is so readily available in Ireland.
Strong communications and facilitation skills are essential. This project requires finding a balanced path to success between the functional, social, political, financial, commercial, technical, regulatory and economic drivers. As with all projects of this nature the initial phase is key: the quality of the thought and preparation at the start will have significant influence on the eventual success.
The entire project development, management and delivery must be developed in parallel to ongoing communications review and alignment.
Approach
Aim : Through effective and relevant communications approach turn the conversation on Water Reform & Charge around into a positive for all Ireland and its people
There are two distinct aspects to the communications service (A)The project communications
(B)The transitions phase between Councils and Irish Water Company The approach should incorporate traditional and non traditional
communications / consultation services
Effective Communications must be at the core of all projects from the start. This takes huge effort, lots of innovation and effective confident
communicators
The approach to communications services should deliver benefits in terms of value for money, efficiency and effectiveness. The strategy to secure a reliable supply of drinking water to protect public health and promote economic growth while using water in a sustainable way must be communicated effectively and using the most relevant and varied mediums.
This should include the following:
Information and Communications Technology Social Media including face book, twitter.
Telephone answering service for use during working hours and also a weekend answering service
Stakeholder Management Plan Customer / Community Newsletter
(Customer Definition: household, non- household and business)
Customer / Community stakeholder Management Plan
Branded marketing material – develop standard template material for Quarterly Bulletins
Public Consultation Workshops in order to determine: Definition of Irelands long term water resources
Provide a long term assessment of the supply demand balance Justify the cause, effect and investment
Community Panels Advocate Groups Stakeholder Forums
The key parts of the Communications could include: A Shared Vision – Communications of the strategic intent Irish Water for Everyone
The Motivation to Succeed The Experience to Deliver
Incentives, Innovation and Involvement The overall style and focus should be: Co-ordination
Consistency Communications
Gerardine Lally
Lally & Associates - General Statement of Capability
‘Think like a wise man, but communicate in the language of the people’ WB Yeats
Acknowledged expertise in Communications
Since 1990, Gerardine Lally - Lally & Associates has provided ‘Training, Consultancy and Development in Communications’ to companies, multinationals, executives, organisations, consortia, senior strategists, and projects. Gerardine is also responsible for providing communications consultation services to large infrastructure projects in Ireland and overseas.
She has an exemplary track record in developing and implementing communications strategies, coaching and training for many large scale ( and occasionally contentious ) projects.
Gerardine has developed unique skills and techniques in effective communications and coaching. She has worked with senior teams in Ireland and overseas to enable them to communicate more effectively, achieve goals and win business
20 years of success is a function of how well Gerardine perform’s for Clients and Projects.
Results and impact are vital for repeat business. Multi sector hands on knowledge
Gerardine has provided communications consultancy for the last number of years on an ongoing basis to clients who include professional services, technology, software, pharmaceuticals, financial services, engineering & planning, alternative energy projects and medical device companies. What’s on offer?
Delivering exceptional service and quality and providing an added value to business
Key Skills and Activities
We offer a wide variety of coaching and training services focused on making you and your team the best you can be!
We focus on results. We want to work with individuals and teams who want to progress, develop or win!
We customize to work with your culture and your goals Services include:
Coaching & Training
Presentation Skills Media Training Conflict Resolution Negotiations Skills Expert Witness Training Internal Communications Customer Support Training Executive Coaching
All training can be supported with e-learning modules which I have developed for uploading on internal company systems.
Training Approach is always workshop style – hands –on, interactive and focused on also building confidence.
Internal Communications’ Projects
Team/ Senior Management Facilitation. Stakeholder Management
Design of communications’ plans for internal message execution.
Crafting key company and project messages. Stakeholder consultation.
Global product presentations
Expert Witness Training for Planning Hearings Project Management of Public Consultations
Provide all necessary material in collaboration with design team
Tender Preparation & Bid Specialist
Knowledge & Understanding of how to prepare Tender / Bid Documents in terms of : Quality, Relevance, Professionalism, Competitiveness,
Team – Communication, Relationships, Expertise, Relevance Executive Coaching
This is specifically designed to deliver exceptional training for Managers that will equip them to:
Engage in effective ongoing performance management with individuals and teams
Identify communications training interventions and needs for teams and individuals
Maximise the contribution of teams and employees Develop greater personal and organisational leadership
The coaching provides a rich source of varied learning experiences and helps the participant to grow and reach their true potential
The experience gained from working on such major projects with large teams of national and international experts and coaching senior
Recent Major Projects
Most notable projects include Aviva Stadium, IKEA, Dublin Airport Terminal, Shell Corrib Pipeline, Various Local Radio Licenses, DDT Multiplex license, Carlton Group – O Connell Street.
I also provide continuous training and coaching interventions to: Medtronic Oracle
Coca Cola IBI Corporate Finance Nightline PM Group
The Ogilvy Group Beauchamp’s Solicitors Fujitsu Care-Fusion
Valeo Sir Robert McAlpine ( Scotland )
And many more strictly confidential projects, companies and people.
Our Promise
Committed to providing best practice consultation and communications services
Committed to delivering a comprehensive and intelligent service based on 20 years experience and track record
Your teams will gain knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques that will improve their ability to communicate at all public
consultation and forums.
You will get a visible result
We have identified a strong and experienced team with a track record of not only working and advising on major infrastructure projects but have a creative and innovative approach that is not just different but is really important for this project
The Right Attitude, Careful Planning, Intelligent Approach together with Effective Communications will make all the difference
Please check out our website and contact us for a free consultation to see if we can help
Contact Details
W : www.lallyandassociates.ie
Providing training and consultation for over twenty years Lally & Associates
Communications Experts Contact :
22 Brighton Square Rathgar
Dublin 6 Ireland
T : +353 86 2505316 ( 24 /7) E : ger@lallyandassociates.ie W : www.lallyandassociates.ie T : +353 1 4926011
