CNOC NA GAOITHE cultural centre in Tulla and Clare County Council scooped honours at the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2023.
Held last month, the awards saw Cnoc na Gaoithe win in the ‘Best Town and Village Regeneration’ category while Clare County Council was named winner of the ‘National Impact Award’.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards were held last month at Hotel Minella in Co. Tipperary. Now in their 17th year, the 2023 Awards saw a record number of nominations across the 31 councils which was whittled down to 100 shortlisted projects in 25 categories.
Founded in 1957, Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre promotes and preserves Irish traditions. The name ‘Cnoc na Gaoithe’ translates in English as the Windswept Hill, made famous in the song ‘Lament for Tommy Daly’. The Cultural Centre has developed into a vibrant cultural hub with an archive room, museum, teaching rooms and accommodation in the former convent building. They also host céilís and events in their auditorium. With their 250 active members the centre showcases Irish music, language and culture.
Cnoc na Gaoithe beat off competition from projects in Leitrim and Sligo to take the top honour.
The National Impact Award recognises work which has had “a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it”.
Adjudicators noted that “in keeping with its purpose and vision, Clare County Council leads the county’s development by being responsive and agile. Rural, Economic, Physical and Social Development are the four pillars aligned with this county council, which differs from other local authorities”.
A number of initiatives contributed to Clare County Council being named the winner in this category, including the appointment of Rural Development Officers to work closely with communities in each Municipal District, the development of a state-of-the-art Men’s Shed facility, as well as the Council’s promotion of sustainable tourism locally and internationally. The organisers felt the Council’s economic goals are reflected in key projects which map out future development, including an ambition of Ennis becoming ‘Ireland’s First Climate Adaptive Town’.
In terms of enhancing the environment and transport links, the Council was recognised as having an extensive physical development portfolio including a major river crossing, new road and embankments, coastal protection and an extensive network of greenways. The organisers also highlighted the ‘Promoting Gender Equality & Diversity in Local Government’ event delivered by Clare County Council with See Her Elected (SHE) in 2022, as well as the Council’s award for ‘Embedding a culture of workplace wellbeing’ in the CIPD Ireland HR Awards 2023.
Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said the success was a reflection of the collaborative approach being taken within Clare communities. “These awards are further recognition at a national level of the work being done by Clare County Council and its partners. As a Council we will continue to strive to deliver quality services for people living in, working in and visiting County Clare. Sustainable communities will remain at the centre of everything we do,” Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling stated.
