Finalists in this year’s Excellence in Local Government (ELG) Awards were recently announced by Chambers Ireland, with 91 local authority projects shortlisted over 15 categories.
Now in its 20th year and held annually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 23 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin.This year includes a new addition, ‘Urban Revival’, which showcases innovative efforts by local authorities to take action in transforming their urban areas.
Congratulating the shortlisted entrants, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “It is vital that the good work done by local authorities is showcased 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 newly re-named “Urban Revival” category this year which he said “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 that the awards showcased the inventiveness and innovation being delivered by local authorities, and congratulated those who were nominated. Awards will be presented for excellence in 15 different categories, while one local authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2023.
TJ Hunter, Senior Director at Ørsted UK & Ireland (headline award sponsors), added that 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”.