Michael Moynihan: Cork should take some inspiration from the imagination and leadership in Paris

Reduced car dependency, increased greenery and a functional public transport system combine to make 15-minute city Paris pleasant for resident and visitor alike 

Every July and August since 2002 the banks of the Seine are converted into seaside walk with palm trees, picnic tables and parasols during Paris-Plages summer event.

I was in Paris for a few days last week.

Don’t worry, I’m not looking for sympathy, nor am I trying to irritate anyone who wasn’t sauntering along the banks of the Seine in the last few days. In truth, the French capital had a mixed reputation in the house I grew up in thanks to a pungent story my late father used to tell about a very unsympathetic national teacher.