One year after the start of the mandate, the Ílhavo Municipal Chamber presented a review of the work carried out, focusing on implementing new measures, preparing structural projects, and strengthening the capacity to respond to the needs of the people and the territory. The Municipal Executive sought to translate its commitments into concrete actions, with a strategy based on proximity, responsibility, ethics, rigor, transparency, and valuing people.
Education was central, with 2026 declared the Municipal Year of Education. Support measures for families and students were reinforced, such as food assistance during school breaks and reimbursement for activity sheets. Higher education scholarships were expanded, and educational innovation projects, like the Municipal STEAM Education Program, were prepared. The creation of the Municipal School of Aquatic Rescue and First Aid, part of the Ílhavo +Safe +Healthy program, reinforces the focus on training and prevention.
In the social area, attention to families, children, vulnerable individuals, and seniors was strengthened. The opening of the new Nursery in Gafanha do Carmo, support for the project of the Associação Aquém Renasce, and the promotion of initiatives like “Ílhavo Cuida” and “Solidão Zero” demonstrate the social commitment. Cooperation with IPSS and the ULS Região de Aveiro remained essential.
Proximity to the four parishes was enhanced through the Executive's presence in the territory and increased transfers to the Parish Councils. Support for the associative movement also served to value proximity work.
In terms of modernization and transparency, notable initiatives include the Bússola application for reporting incidents and tracking municipal information, and the Roteirómetro platform for monitoring the execution of commitments. Achieving 100% in the DYNTRA Municipal Transparency Index in 2026 was a significant result.
The local identity, culture, and heritage were prioritized. The first edition of RONCO – National Encounter of Traditional Portuguese Masks established Vale de Ílhavo on the national map of popular traditions, valuing the Cardadores, the Bread of Vale de Ílhavo, and the Moagens.
Regarding municipal works and territory valorization, interventions were overseen in educational establishments and health centers, with an investment exceeding 23.5 million euros, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Vista Alegre Bridge will be rehabilitated, prioritizing safety, technical rigor, mobility, and financial sustainability. Protection of the Ria and coastline also received attention in areas such as Rua do Sul, in Gafanha da Boavista, along the Marginal Riamar, and at Meia-Laranja, in Praia da Barra.
The region's affirmation and cooperation with entities such as the University of Aveiro, the Port of Aveiro, the Maritime Authority, the ULS Região de Aveiro, and the Portuguese Environment Agency were important dimensions of the work, aiming for economic development, sustainability, and the valorization of local resources.
The review acknowledges that there is still work to be done, with challenges requiring continuity and projects needing completion. The Municipal Executive reaffirms its commitment to working with rigor, ambition, and responsibility, valuing public resources for the effective benefit of the community.
The Ílhavo Municipal Chamber thanks the contribution of municipal workers, Parish Councils, associations, companies, partners, and citizens in building a more developed, just, inclusive, and future-ready Municipality.
