The presentation of the 2025 Local Government Awards to councils across Northern Ireland marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils and served to highlight the evolving role of councillors in delivering for their communities and the wider region.
The awards scheme, co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), has been designed to celebrate efforts of councils in their local communities. The awards highlight the innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councillors, local government staff, and local government partners.
The ten award categories focus on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils demonstrate daily, while creating opportunities for local government staff and elected members to shine.
NILGA President Cllr Alison Bennington stated, “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve, while also supporting broader government and civic initiatives. Our councils undertake valuable work and dedicate time and resources to modernise and improve their areas for local communities, businesses, and visitors, as well as for wider government and civic society.
“The Local Government Awards are a testament to these services and provide benchmarks for broader government and offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts. We can improve by learning from the best, which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils.”
Celebrating a ‘Decade of Achievement’ for councils in Northern Ireland, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pointed to the central role played by councils in delivering a wide range of services and helping to develop and grow the local economy.
“Councils have made significant progress, taking on planning responsibilities, introducing community planning, and working in partnership with central government to develop and deliver city and growth deals. This has brought decision-making closer to local communities, ensuring services are tailored to meet specific needs.”
2025 CATEGORY AWARDS AND THE WINNERS
- Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award: Food Heartland – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- Service Innovation & Improvement Award: The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service – Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Best Use of Data & Technology Award: Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service – Belfast City Council
- Engaging Communities Award: Belfast 2024 Programme – Belfast City Council
- Collaborative Partnership Award: Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster – Mid Ulster District Council
- Local Government Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Autism Friendly Borough Initiative – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Communications Campaign of the Year Award: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 – Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Best Initiative by a Councillor Award: Councillor Cadogan Enright – Green Economy – Newry Mourne and Down District Council
- Employee of the Year Award: Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer – Fermanagh and Omagh District Counc
- Innovative Planning for the Future Award: ABC Place Plans – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
