Winners of the Chambers Ireland 2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards

The Chambers Ireland 2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase and celebrate the high level of best practice in Irish local government. This year, Chambers Ireland celebrated its 21st year of hosting the awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of Irish local authorities across 16 categories, including the overall award of Local Authority of the Year. The event, held on November 21, in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and sponsored by Orsted, serves as a platform to spotlight the best of local government and their impact on communities and the economy.

Margaret Considine, President of Chambers Ireland, highlighted the importance of local government and these awards.

“Local Authorities continue to make substantial efforts across multiple areas of Irish society with wide-ranging positive impacts for local communities and the local economy; the Local Government Awards serve as the platform to highlight the irreplaceable value that results.”

In this LGIU article, we bring you the winners of the 15 different categories and the Local Authority of the Year, to give you a taste of the outstanding level of best practice in public service delivery, a hallmark of the local government system in Ireland.

Over the coming months, LGIU will share the individual stories of the award-winning projects with in-depth case studies. In the meantime, read below for a quick look at the 15 winning projects and the highly-coveted local authority of the year.

Age Friendly Initiative: Kildare County Council – Ballymore Eustace as an Age Friendly Climate Friendly Village

Kildare County Council has successfully transformed Ballymore Eustace into an Age Friendly Climate Friendly Village through a number of well-orchestrated changes, including community engagement with older residents in decision-making processes and improved social inclusion for older community members through various events and activities. Moreover, the Council has invested in accessible infrastructure across public spaces, such as age-friendly seating and wheelchair-accessible facilities, as well as accessible and affordable transport options; ensuring older members of the community can continue to live independently. Ballymore Eustace has demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient lighting, promoting waste reduction, supporting local biodiversity, and encouraging residents to recycle and conserve water. The village demonstrates Kildare County Council’s dedication to creating an inclusive and sustainable environment, and continues to serve as an example of a community committed to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages.

Climate Change: Fingal County Council – Wildfire Management Howth Head

Fingal County Council’s Wildfire Management initiative is a ground-breaking conservation grazing project that utilises Old Irish Goats for conservation grazing. The project, a partnership between Fingal County Council and the Old Irish Goat Society, has involved reintroducing a herd of 25 Old Irish Goats to the area. The risk of wildfires is reduced by using the Goats to manage vegetation growth, while also enhancing the biodiversity of the Howth Head. The Old Irish goat possesses a unique capability to manage the growth of gorse, especially after fires, and, thanks to their grazing behaviour and efficient digestive systems, these goats can easily adapt to feeding on harsher environments with low nutritive quality heathlands. The effectiveness of this initiative approach highlights the benefits of implementing conservation grazing as a long-term solution for maintaining the diverse habitats found on Howth Head.

Communications: Galway City Council – Galway City Your Council Podcast

The Galway City Your Council podcast is a unique and creative initiative that strives to break down barriers between the Galway community and Galway City Council – introducing those delivering council services and highlighting the valuable work they are doing every day for the city. Local authorities provide over 1,100 services, which is why the Galway City Your Council podcast focuses on the diverse roles within the local authority. It’s a unique way local authorities can promote awareness and engagement of the hard work Councils do in the community.

Diversity & Inclusion: Limerick City & County Council – Limerick Migrant Integration Forum

Limerick City and County Council established the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum on International Anti Racism Day in March 2024, as part of the EU INTEgreat Project. The Forum promotes diversity and inclusion by empowering Limerick’s migrant communities to collaborate together and actively participate in key decision-making bodies in the region. The Forum has over 40 members from over 20 diverse backgrounds, all contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Limerick. Despite only recently being formed, the Migrant Integration Forum has already begun promoting integration across the region, including standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian community at a recent event to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Russian invasion. By providing a platform for migrants’ voices, the forum contributes to a more inclusive and diverse society across Limerick.

Urban Revival: Waterford City & County Council – Reviving urban living by reducing property vacancy & dereliction in Waterford

By taking on projects previously considered unviable, Waterford City & County Council has successfully revitalised over 715 dwellings, significantly reducing property vacancy and dereliction in Waterford. The council implemented this wide-span revitalisation project through various initiatives, which have now delivered impactful and long-lasting solutions and infused vibrancy and vitality throughout the city and county. In June 2024, Waterford received a major boost of funding with the announcement that €9m had been allocated to revive 130 vacant properties across the city and county, under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. At the time funding was given, it was anticipated the 130 vacant properties in Waterford, which were included in the funding round, would result in the creation of just over 1,000 new homes.

Festival of the Year: Limerick City & County Council – Riverfest Limerick 2024

This highly anticipated festival held on the May Bank Holiday weekend attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Celebrating its 20th year, this Limerick City & County Council-run event has become a beloved tradition and a symbol of Limerick’s spirit and culture. Renowned for its diverse range of activities and attractions, which attract people of all ages and interests, the festival brings significant tourism to the Limerick area, stimulating the local economy, and fosters a sense of community through local pride and camaraderie.

Health and Wellbeing: Donegal County Council – Model Beach Accessibility to improve Health and Wellbeing – A Strategic Approach

Donegal County Council introduced this pioneering project to enhance the accessibility of beaches for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those with mobility issues. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment and community engagement, the Council has been able to create an inclusive beach environment. A few of the components of the approach include introducing beach wheelchair and mobility walker rental services, conducting accessibility audits and installing accessible pathways. By prioritising beach accessibility, Donegal County Council is working towards fostering a more inclusive and healthy community, where everyone can enjoy the benefits of the region’s beautiful coastal environments.

Heritage and Built Environment: Dublin City Council – 14 Henrietta Street

Managed by Dublin City Council Culture Company, 14 Henrietta Street is a social history museum that offers a unique glimpse into Dublin’s past. Through the house-turned-museum, Dublin City Council brings to life the stories of the people who called the house home, and connects their experiences with the history of urban life, politics and world affairs over 300 years – providing an insightful and personal deep dive into life in Dublin over 3 centuries. This museum has become a powerful tool for sharing the stories and layers of Dublin’s history within its walls.

Municipal Districts Initiative: Wexford County Council – The Emigrant Park. New Ross

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Wexford County Council, the Emigrant Park is located on the site formerly used as a gasworks. Its vibrant history and this project have regenerated a key site in the town, creating a compelling high-quality amenity for visitors who come to New Ross. The theme of The Emigrant Park reflects the maritime and emigration heritage and history of the port of New Ross. It is finely laid out with seating facilities, a carved figure, and a play area, looking out towards the River Barrow and the former embarkation point for countless numbers of emigrants, the vast majority were never to see their homes and families again and set out to make a fresh life for themselves in the New World.  The Emigrant Park development is a 1500m2 acre site accessible to all, combining granite and grass, history and nature, reflection and expression.

Local Authority Innovation: Limerick City & County Council – Living again: Vacancy, Dereliction and Reuse initiative

Limerick City and County Council is one of the most proactive in the country in using its powers under the Derelict Sites Act, 1990, to bring derelict and vacant houses back into use. LCCC established a Dereliction, Vacancy & Reuse team in 2017, and a key element to the Council’s success has been bringing derelict sites, vacant sites and vacant homes into one team, which is supported by the council’s wider property management function. Furthermore, a revolving fund was put in place in 2017 to support the compulsory acquisition of derelict property, which has been a significant factor in the program’s success.

The approach of the initiative is to first engage with owners/occupiers to resolve the dereliction. Some owners will respond and engage with the Council to dolve the dereliction and return the property to productive use. Cases that are not resolved in this way may be considered for compulsory acquisition.

Promoting Economic Development: Dublin City Council – Community Wealth Building Dublin City

Community Wealth Building (CWB) is a progressive approach to economics and economic development. It was adopted by the Dublin City Council in 2021, and since then, a cross-department CWB Working Group has been introduced; focused on advancing embedding CWB in how Dublin City Council operates. For example, the Central Procurement and the Waste Management Department are considering how Dublin City Council’s textile recycling arrangements might be structured to provide opportunities for social enterprises that will bring people into employment that otherwise might not.

A key action within Dublin City Council’s CWB implementation plan is the development of a social value framework. This will provide a basis for Dublin City Council to shift how resources are spent either via buying goods and services, recruitment or the use of assets to align more closely with expressed social goals and consequent social outcomes.

Supporting Sustainable Communities: Donegal County Council – Burtonport & Arranmore – Harbour to Island Regeneration

Phase 1 of the project will provide for the transformation of the Harbour at Burtonport to a multi-user space with modern transport infrastructure, public amenities, services and parking and will develop shorefront recreation, outdoor amenities and event space on Aranmore Island.

Phase 2 of the project proposes a new harbour building and enterprise units building that will present as an important physical element of the overall development, and provide a valuable opportunity to introduce regenerative physical development, diversification of uses and quality architecture to the marine and harbour environment. The ‘Harbour to Island’ Regeneration Project is designed to enhance facilities and opportunities in Burtonport and Arranmore Island.

Supporting Tourism: Monaghan County Council – Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan

Managed by Coillte, the Irish State’s forestry organisation, Rossmore Forest Park covers an expansive area and offers a variety of amenities, including walking trails, a nature trail, and a yew walk. The park is a key tourism destination in the Monaghan County area for its rich history, having once been home to Rossmore Castle and the Rossmore family, and its diverse wildlife, including native mammal species like otters and bats, as well as migratory birds. The park serves as a recreational hub for visitors and locals alike, providing opportunities for picnics, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. In April 2024, Monaghan County Council’s extension project on the park received €150,000 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2023. The exciting extension of the Rossmore Forest Park Play Area will pave the way for the area to be an even more child friendly destination.

Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity: Cork City Council – Enhance Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog to create an ecological visitor attraction

This project from Cork City Council, in collaboration with local stakeholders, is part of the city’s development plan. Aiming to improve the amenities and protect the unique alkaline wetland system found within the area, the project is set to transform the Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog in Blarney into an ecological visitor attraction. As one of Ireland’s 512 fens, Clogheenmilcon Fen Bog is a rare and significant habitat that requires careful management and conservation. Cork City Council is striving to create an engaging and educational experience for visitors through the enhancement of the bog’s accessibility and promotion of its ecological importance. The preservation of the natural beauty of the environment is of utmost importance to the council.

Sustaining the Arts: Galway City Council – Reflections – A Commemoration of the Irish Women of 1923

A tribute organised by Galway City Council, Galway Public Libraries and Galway City Museum, honoring the remarkable women who shaped Irish history in 1923. As part of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative, the program features a series of events that celebrate and remember the women of the period and their impact on the past 100 years of Irish women’s achievements.

The commemoration includes creative elements such as poetry and performances, which pay homage to the strength, resilience and creativity of the women at that time. Through engaging the community and honouring these influential women, “Reflections” is not only a lesson in history but a stage to inspire all Irish women now and in the future.

Local Authority of the Year: Donegal County Council

Taking overall achievement at this year’s awards was Donegal County Council! Margaret Considine, President of Chambers Ireland, commended the Council for its success, commenting:

“Donegal County Council is the well-deserved winner of the overall Local Authority of the Year Award, having shown engagement across the different facets of the Donegal Community, and with the development and sustainability of Donegal’s localities and environment, to achieve this accolade.For their commitment to serving their community and also raising their area’s profile nationally as a stand-out destination, Donegal County Council deserve to be commended and have earned their Award title of Local Authority of the Year.”

John McLaughlin Chief Executive of Donegal County Council welcomed this prestigious award:

“this is a great reflection on the work of the Council and the ambitious approach that the Council has taken over the last number of years across a range of areas. This includes investments in economic and enterprise development,  housing capital build, roads, greenways, active travel, urban and rural regeneration, climate action, social inclusion and community development and as well as an extensive cultural development programme.  It also speaks to the innovation and creativity of our members and staff and to the collaborative approach that we take by working with a whole range of partners and stakeholders in delivering various projects and initiatives”.

LGIU wishes to congratulate all the winners and short-listed projects for displaying the best of local authorities’ innovative and collaborative energies.