EIGHT projects led or supported by Galway County Council have been shortlisted for this year’s Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, the highest number of nominations secured by the council since the awards began.
Now in their 23rd year, the awards recognise work being carried out by Ireland’s 31 local authorities across a range of areas including community development, social inclusion, climate action, recreation, culture and public services.
The Galway projects shortlisted are the Connemara Dementia Café Initiative, Park Lodge, the 60+ Climate Drive, the Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Active Recreation project, Leenane Community Park, the Ballinasloe Multicultural Midsummer Festival, Tiny Mutiny and Scoil an Phiarsaigh 2025.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) said the shortlist was recognition of the work being carried out in communities throughout the county. “It is vital that the excellent work carried out by local authorities is showcased to the wider community and that the contribution local government makes to people’s lives every day is recognised”.
“Elected Members proudly support a wide range of community, cultural, social and environmental projects across Galway. To see eight projects shortlisted nationally is a tremendous achievement and a great recognition of the work being done by Council staff, community groups and organisations across the county,” he added.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said, “The significant number of shortlisted projects reflects the ambitious approach Galway County Council has taken over the past number of years across a wide range of work areas. These nominations demonstrate the innovation and creativity of our elected members and staff, together with the collaborative approach we take in working with our communities and a wide range of partners and stakeholders”.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Corporate Services and Rural, Community and Tourism Development and Integration, said the projects demonstrated the breadth of work being undertaken across the county. “What is particularly encouraging is the diversity of the projects shortlisted. They reflect the breadth of work being undertaken by Galway County Council, from supporting people living with dementia and people with disabilities to climate action, recreation, community development, festivals, youth arts and cultural initiatives”.
“These projects are rooted in the communities they serve, with many delivered in partnership with local groups, organisations, elected members and other stakeholders,” Owens continued.
The Connemara Dementia Café Initiative has established five new monthly Dementia Cafés across the region, building on cafés in Roundstone and Letterfrack. Supported by Forum Connemara, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Galway County Council and funding partners, the cafés provide a welcoming, dementia friendly setting with refreshments, arts and crafts, gentle exercise and memory book projects.
Park Lodge is an accessible purpose-built supported home for three people with high support needs associated with intellectual disability and autism. The development located in Tuam provides a safe and comfortable living environment supporting residents’ independence, wellbeing and quality of life. It is an example of the collaborative and partnership approach between Galway County Council and Ability West in accordance with the objectives of the Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability.
The 60+ Climate Drive is a grassroots initiative founded by Jacinta Barrins and supported by Galway County Council through the Age Friendly Programme. The six-week course engages people aged over 60 in practical climate action and helps participants identify simple ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Active Recreation project has transformed part of the historic grounds into an inclusive outdoor space combining a sensory garden with active recreation facilities, providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature and improve health and wellbeing.
Leenane Community Park has been developed as a safe, sustainable and accessible recreational hub overlooking Killary Harbour. Improvements include walkways, seating and inclusive facilities, with the latest phase adding sensory play equipment for children and families.
The Ballinasloe Multicultural Midsummer Festival celebrates cultural diversity, inclusion and community spirit, bringing local people and newcomers together through food, music, dance, sports, games and activities for all ages.
Tiny Mutiny is an Arts Office supported youth arts programme giving teenagers across County Galway the opportunity to develop creative ideas with professional artist mentors and practical support. Now in its third year, it supports emerging artists across music, literature, film, visual art, illustration and poetry, culminating in a Culture Night showcase at The Mall Theatre in Tuam.
Scoil an Phiarsaigh 2025 was a two-day cultural and educational event in Ros Muc celebrating Patrick Pearse’s connection to Connemara and his commitment to the Irish language, education and culture. The event brought together educators, students, artists and cultural figures and attracted more than 300 attendees.
The Excellence in Local Government Awards are sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Perigús. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 26 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9.
