The finalists in this year’s Excellence in Local Government (ELG) Awards was recently announced by Chambers Ireland, with 91 local authority projects shortlisted over 15 categories.
The awards initiative, now in its 20th year and held annually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will be presented on Thursday 23 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin. A new addition this year, ‘Urban Revival’, serves to showcase innovative efforts by local authorities to take action in transforming their urban areas.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said it was vital to showcase the work by local authorities to the wider community, “displaying how their essential role contributes daily positively to the lives of the people who live in the community”.
Minister O’Brien specifically mentioned the introduction of the new “Urban Revival” category this year which “exhibits local authorities that bring vitality back to our towns and streets through creating sustainable, people-friendly urban environments which is crucial to supporting Government objectives and various programmes delivered through my department. This will ensure more parts of our urban areas become attractive and vibrant places in which to live, work, visit and invest”.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said the awards showcase the inventiveness and innovation delivered by local authorities. Awards will be presented for excellence in 15 different categories, while one local authority will be named ‘Local Authority of the Year 2023’.
TJ Hunter, Senior Director at Ørsted UK & Ireland (headline awards sponsor), added, “For Ireland to successfully fight climate change, we need industry, community and government to work in partnership, challenge the status quo, and together build a better society. Through our sponsorship of these Awards, Ørsted is delighted to celebrate innovative projects from Local Authorities throughout the country which seek to do just that.”
