The Excellence in Local Government Awards 2026 will take place on 26 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry in Dublin, with the winners to be presented across 16 category awards, while one council will be named ‘Local Authority of the Year 2026’.
The Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards are held annually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and sponsored by Perigus Energy.
Congratulating the shortlisted entrants, John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, said that he was pleased “to continue our long-standing support for these awards, which are an important opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of local authorities to public service in their communities”.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said the shortlist features projects that represent the hard work and ambitious planning that takes place at local level all around the country. “The awards showcase the volume of work that local authorities are delivering, which so often goes unnoticed. In Chambers all around the country they know the important role played by the local authorities.”
TJ Hunter, MD of Ireland and the UK at Perigus Energy, added: “The initiatives highlighted play a crucial role in all of our everyday lives and it’s so important to ensure that this hard work and care for citizens and place doesn’t go unrecognised. Every year, I’m blown away by the calibre of the projects being shortlisted, and this year is no different.”
The shortlist, which was announced by Chambers Ireland in September, features a range of nationwide projects from sustainable environment and biodiversity initiatives to climate change adaptations.
The Frontrunners
- Dublin City Council: 12 entries
- Kilkenny County Council: 11 entries
- Cork County Council: 8 entries
- Limerick City & County Council: 8 entries
- Galway County Council: 8 entries
The Strong Contenders
- South Dublin County Council: 6 entries
- Clare County Council: 6 entries
- Waterford City & County Council: 5 entries
- Kildare County Council: 5 entries
- Donegal County Council: 4 entries
- Meath County Council: 4 entries
- Cavan County Council: 4 entries
- Laois County Council: 4 entries
Click here for the full shortlist of entries for the 2026 Awards.
