Galway City Council Projects Shortlisted for Local Government Awards

UPDATE: Four groundbreaking projects by Galway City Council have been shortlisted for the 22nd Annual Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional efforts of local authorities across Ireland.

The shortlisted projects include the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival, CREW Galway, Youth Lates, and Ireland’s first city-centre School Street at Scoil Iognáid. The winners will be unveiled on November 27, 2024, during a gala ceremony in Dublin.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, expressed his excitement: “I am delighted to see Galway City Council projects shortlisted for the second year in a row. With over 250 entries this year, having four projects represented is fantastic.”

This year set a record with 259 submissions from 26 local authorities, emphasizing the high standards of service provided to communities. The Excellence in Local Government Awards are sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Each of the shortlisted projects demonstrates innovative approaches to community engagement and sustainability.

The Galway Climate Inspirations Festival, launched in 2024, is a pioneering climate initiative that focuses on positivity and creativity. It aims to inspire community action around climate change through art, music, and cultural events.

CREW Galway, a creative enterprise and innovation hub opened in April 2024, supports local entrepreneurs in fields such as gaming and digital design. This initiative enhances Galway’s economic landscape by providing resources and fostering innovation.

The Youth Lates program creates vibrant spaces for youth aged 14-19, encouraging their involvement in the arts and cultural scene. This initiative is part of Galway City Council’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan and directly addresses the need for youth engagement in cultural activities.

Finally, the School Street at Scoil Iognáid is a transformative project that closes a residential street to traffic during school hours, promoting walking and cycling among students. Launched in 2020, this initiative has significantly changed the travel culture surrounding the school, with a marked increase in active transportation.

As the awards ceremony approaches, all eyes are on Galway City Council and its innovative projects that exemplify local government excellence. The community is rallying behind these initiatives, which not only showcase the council’s commitment to sustainability and youth engagement but also enhance the cultural fabric of Galway.

Stay tuned for updates as the winners will be announced on November 27. This is a significant moment for Galway, showcasing the city’s dedication to progress and community development.