Councils throughout Northern Ireland celebrated as the ten award winners of the 2025 Local Government Awards were announced at an event hosted by Barra Best at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge last night (27/03/25).
Coordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the awards ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils and the evolving role of councillors, who are vital in advocating and delivering for their communities and the wider region.
This year’s awards attracted 69 entries and were designed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of councils in their communities. They highlighted the innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councillors, local government staff, and local government partners.
The award categories focused on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils demonstrate daily, while also 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. They offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts.
“We can improve by learning from the best. This is a passion of NILGA, which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils. Congratulations to our winners and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and support the 2025 Local Government Awards.”
Celebrating a “Decade of Achievement” for Northern Ireland’s councils, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said “Councils play a central role in delivering a wide range of services and in helping to develop and grow the local economy - making life better for all our citizens.
The Minister continued, “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. Local councils have also driven economic regeneration by partnering with businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting tourism. Initiatives like Labour Market Partnerships and the £1 billion investment in City and Growth Deals are creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and enhancing connectivity.”
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. The Local Government Awards highlight their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and excellence in public services. From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts, culture, and leisure, it is a privilege to recognise the fantastic work that local councils do on the front lines.
The awards cover ten categories, with sponsor partners and support bodies including agendaNi, the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), CCLA Good Investment, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Hays Recruitment, the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), the Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC), Quadra Consulting, the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), and the William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT).
--ENDS—
Notes to Editor
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Local Government Awards 2025 Winners. Councils throughout Northern Ireland celebrated as the ten award winners of the 2025 Local Government Awards were announced at an event hosted by Barra Best at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge last night (27/03/25).
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Local Government Awards 2025 finalists (listed in alphabetical order by council).
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The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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Food Heartland |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
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10-year journey becoming a sustainable, decarbonising and protected environment. |
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council |
Winner: Food Heartland - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Photo 4 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award. Winner: Food Heartland - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council. The award was presented by Jonathon Carr West, CEO, LGiU.
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The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Service |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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Household Waste Recycling Centre Access Management System |
Ards & North Down Borough Council |
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Causeway Healthy Kids |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
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Developing the Workforce of the Future: Career Pathways Programme: LCCC Apprenticeship Scheme |
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council |
Winner: The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Leisure Service - Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Photo 5 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Service Innovation & Improvement Award. Winner: The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Leisure Service - Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council. The award was presented by Cllr Terry Andrews, Chair of APSE Northern Ireland.
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Creation of a Council-wide Quality Management System (QMS) |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
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Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service |
Belfast City Council |
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The Development and Implementation of Dashboard Reporting across the organisation |
Fermanagh & Omagh District Council |
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Mid Ulster District Council celebrates the birth of a new registration appointment system |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Winner: Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service - Belfast City Council
Photo 6 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Best Use of Data & Technology Award. Winner: Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service - Belfast City Council. The award was presented by Sian Thornthwaite, Programme Director, SBRI.
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Family Support and Social Supermarket Programme |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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Belfast 2024 Programme |
Belfast City Council |
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Bushmills Community Choices |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
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Connecting Pomeroy |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Winner: Belfast 2024 Programme - Belfast City Council
Photo 7 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Engaging Communities Award Winner: Belfast 2024 Programme - Belfast City Council. The award was presented by Lee Jagger, CCLA.
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Causeway Healthy Kids |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
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The Big Tree Project |
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council |
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Science Summer School – Activate Your Curiosity! |
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council |
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Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Winner: Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster - Mid Ulster District Council
Photo 8 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Collaborative Partnership Award Winner: Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster - Mid Ulster District Council. The award was presented by Cara Marks, Director, Hays Recruitment.
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Inclusive ABC Initiative |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
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PCSP Disability Project (Hate Crime) |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
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Autism Friendly Borough Initiative |
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council |
Winner: Autism Friendly Borough Initiative - Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Photo 9 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Local Government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award Winner: Autism Friendly Borough Initiative - Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. The award was presented by Sharon McNicholl, Chair, Staff Commission Equality & Diversity Group, and Bumper Graham, Staff Commission Chair.
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Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 |
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
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NIESS Go Succeed |
Derry City & Strabane District Council |
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MEA Outdoors |
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council |
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Home for Christmas Campaign |
Mid Ulster District Council |
Winner: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 - Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Photo 10 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Communications Campaign of the Year Award Winner: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 - Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The award was presented by Gail Kinkead, Business Development Manager, agendaNi.
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Councillor Mark Cooper BEM- Transformative Leadership |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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Alderman Julian McGrath - Anti-Poverty Strategy |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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Councillor Cadogan Enright, Green Economy |
Newry Mourne & Down District Council |
Winner: Cllr Cadogan Enright, Green Economy – Newry, Mourne & Down District Council
Photo 11 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Best Initiative by a Councillor Award Winner: Cllr Cadogan Enright, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The award was presented by Cllr Alison Bennington, President of NILGA.
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Steven Andrews, Groundsperson |
Ards & North Down Borough Council |
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Gary Scott, Safeguarding Coordinator |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
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Helen Morrisey, City Protection Manager (Neighbourhood Portfolio) |
Belfast City Council |
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Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer |
Fermanagh & Omagh District Council |
Winner: Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer - Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
Photo 12 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Employee of the Year Award Winner: Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer - Fermanagh & Omagh District Council. The award was presented by Robert Gilmore, William Johnston Memorial Trust.
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iLead Development Programme |
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council |
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ABC Place Plans |
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council |
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‘Augment the City: XR and the future of tourism’ |
Belfast City Council |
Winner: ABC Place Plans - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Photo 13 caption.
Local Government Awards 2025. Innovative Planning for the Future Award Winner: ABC Place Plans - Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The award was presented by Stephanie Singer, Director, Quadra Consulting.
Additional awards event images – NILGA Awards 2025 - pCloud
Awards brochure – NILGA Awards 2025 Brochure
