There was some local success at last night’s 2023 Local Government Awards.
The 20th annual event was held by Chambers Ireland Excellence with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and was sponsored by Ørsted.
15 prizes of specially commissioned Waterford Crystal were handed out, including to Carlow County Council who took the Sustaining the Arts title for Borris Lace by Post or Exchange. (Full winner list below).
Commenting Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said; “What we see through these awards is something I regularly get to witness on my travels across the country, the hard work and dedication of our local authorities. Time and again local authorities display immense agility in responding to the challenges which they are presented with – whether that’s a global pandemic or an unjust war and the unprecedented influx of people fleeing it.
“The calibre of applications are outstanding again this year and I want to commend all the applicants, those shortlisted and indeed the winners. While the award ceremony offers us a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the work undertaken by our local authorities I would like to reiterate the Government’s appreciation of our local authorities all year round,” he concluded.
TJ Hunter, Senior Director at Ørsted UK & Ireland, headline sponsors of the Awards, added; “For Ireland to fight climate change, we need industry, community and government to work in partnership, challenge the status quo, and together build a better society. All winning projects tonight started as ideas that were pushed to become realities, and now create legacies to be proud of. Congratulations to all on the individual and collective achievements being celebrated tonight and in particular Limerick City & County Council for taking home the Local Authority of the Year Award 2023.”
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said; “We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of the Excellence in Local Government Awards this year and I’d like to commend all of the shortlisted Local Authorities for their innovation, enthusiasm and commitment to serving their communities and championing their localities.
“It’s an honour for Chambers Ireland to host these Awards and, each year, we are consistently astounded by the exceptional quality of projects and initiatives that are being developed at a local level nationwide.
“Congratulations to all of the people involved in the 94 shortlisted initiatives, the 15 individual category winners and, in particular, to Limerick City and County Council for being awarded Local Authority of the Year. To be nominated is a huge achievement, as the standard of each category is so high, and to win is recognition of an outstanding and unwavering commitment to your local community. Limerick City and County Council are the deserving winners of the overall award for their extensive work in promoting Limerick as a positive, inclusive and sustainable place to live, work, visit and invest.”
Winner list
- Supporting Sustainable Communities Award
Limerick City & County Council
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
Donegal County Council
- Festival of the Year Award
Kildare County Council
- Supporting Tourism Award
Waterford City and County Council
- Promoting Economic Development Award
Kerry County Council
- Local Authority Innovation Award
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
- Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity Award
Dublin City Council
- Communications Award
Fingal County Council
- Climate Change Award
South Dublin County Council
- Sustaining the Arts Award
Carlow County Council
- Health & Wellbeing Award
Limerick City & County Council
- Municipal District Initiative Award
Kildare County Council
- Urban Revival Award
Cork City Council
- Heritage and Built Environment Award
Waterford City and County Council
- Age Friendly Initiative Award
Wicklow County Council
- Local Authority of the Year
Limerick City & County Council
