Recognising outstanding contributions, community impact and service excellence across local government and our councils.
The 2025 Local Government Awards have now reached the finalist stage. The campaign has seen an incredible response, with all councils submitting entries across the ten categories, and a total of 69 entries submitted.
These awards are designed to celebrate the exceptional efforts our councils make within their communities. They highlight innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councils, councillors, staff, and partners. The categories focus on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils provide every day, while also creating opportunities for local government staff and members to step forward and shine.
NILGA President, Councillor Alison Bennington, stated, “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve while also supporting wider government and civic initiatives.
"The Local Government Awards highlight the invaluable services provided to communities and local residents and serve as essential benchmarks for both government and civic sectors. They present excellent opportunities for councils to learn and grow, particularly in times when every penny counts, and we have finite resources.
"By learning from the best, we can continue to improve. This drive for advancement is at the heart of NILGA's mission and is evident in the commitment of each of our 11 member councils."
APSE Chief Executive, Mo Baines, remarked, “Across local government, day-in and day-out, our unsung frontline heroes go above and beyond to deliver for their local communities. These Awards showcase their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and the delivery of excellence in public services. From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts, culture, and leisure, it is a real honour to recognise the fantastic work local councils do at the frontline. Congratulations and best of luck to all those shortlisted!”
The Awards cover ten categories and sponsor partners/support bodies contributing are: agendaNi, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), CCLA Good Investment, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Hays Recruitment, Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC), Quadra Consulting and William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT).
Nominees were judged by an independent panel and the winning council in each category will be announced at a Local Government Celebration and Gala Awards Recognition Evening at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, on Thursday 27 March 2025.
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Notes to Editor
Local Government Awards 2025 finalists (finalists are listed in alphabetical order by council) are:
Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award
|
The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
Food Heartland |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
|
10-year journey becoming a sustainable, decarbonising and protected environment. |
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council |
Service Innovation & Improvement Award
|
The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
Household Waste Recycling Centre Access Management System |
Ards and North Down Borough Council |
|
Causeway Healthy Kids |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
|
Developing the Workforce of the Future: Career Pathways Programme: LCCC Apprenticeship Scheme |
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council |
Best Use of Data & Technology Award
|
Creation of a Council-wide Quality Management System (QMS) |
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council |
|
Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service |
Belfast City Council |
|
The Development and Implementation of Dashboard Reporting across the organisation |
Fermanagh & Omagh District Council |
|
Mid Ulster District Council celebrates the birth of a new registration appointment system |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Engaging Communities Award
|
Family Support and Social Supermarket Programme |
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
Belfast 2024 Programme |
Belfast City Council |
|
Bushmills Community Choices |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
|
Connecting Pomeroy |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Collaborative Partnership Award
|
Causeway Healthy Kids |
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council |
|
The Big Tree Project |
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council |
|
Science Summer School – Activate Your Curiosity! |
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council |
|
Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Local Government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
|
Inclusive ABC Initiative |
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council |
|
PCSP Disability Project (Hate Crime) |
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council |
|
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 |
|
NIESS Go Succeed |
Derry City & Strabane District Council |
|
MEA Outdoors |
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council |
|
Home for Christmas Campaign |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Best Initiative by a Councillor Award
|
Councillor Mark Cooper BEM- Transformative Leadership |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
Alderman Julian McGrath - Anti-Poverty Strategy |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
Councillor Cadogan Enright, Green Economy |
Newry Mourne and Down District Council |
Employee of the Year Award
|
Steven Andrews, Groundsperson |
Ards and North Down Borough Council |
|
Gary Scott, Safeguarding Coordinator |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
|
Helen Morrissey, City Protection Manager (Neighbourhood Portfolio) |
Belfast City Council |
|
Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer |
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council |
Innovative Planning for the Future Award
|
iLead Development Programme |
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council |
|
ABC Place Plans |
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council |
|
‘Augment the City: XR and the future of tourism’ |
Belfast City Council |
For more information, please contact Mark Maher, NILGA - m.maher@nilga.org
