There is plenty of local interest in this weekend’s LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) All-Ireland Community & Council Awards with four County Galway projects, communities and businesses competing for top honours.
Nominated by Galway County Council, the shortlisted entries are Leenane Community Park, Solar Structures, Fish & Chips – Sustainably, and Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes.
Now in its 19th year, the award scheme hosted by LAMA and IPB Insurance recognises and celebrates communities and the country’s 31 local authorities working together.
There was quadruple success for Galway at last year’s gala ceremony with category wins for BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, the community-based ‘Healthy Islands’ initiative, Galway County Council’s Heat Pump Remote Access’ and Corofin-based Heptagon Houses Ltd.
Speaking ahead of Saturday night’s gala awards ceremony being held in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr. Martina Kinnane commented, “It is wonderful to see County Galway being so well represented in this awards competition, which is regarded as the Oscars of Local Government. Each of the shortlisted projects highlight the range and breadth of the Local Authority’s involvement in the day-to-day social and economic development of communities across County Galway.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “Supported by our Elected Members, staff across our local authority work very hard throughout the year to engage with community leaders and businesses to deliver projects that have a social and economic impact that benefits our county. I am delighted that LAMA and the adjudicators have once again recognised this fantastic work being undertaken here in County Galway.”
The Leenane Development Association has been shortlisted in the ‘Best CSR Project in Community’ category for its work with Galway County Council and community groups throughout Connemara to develop the Leenane Community Park, which opened to the public in 2024. The Association has played a key role in the development of the age-friendly amenity park with accessible walkways on a disused plot overlooking Killary Harbour. The next phase of the park’s development includes a new playground, additional bio-diverse planting in the rich and unique habitat, and a plan for the sustainable management of the amenity to meet best environmental practices.
Jackie Carroll, Director of Services said, “The collaboration of local volunteers and business representatives in the area, to provide their flair and expertise exemplified the can-do attitude of this small rural village to have an impact. It shows how all sectors of the village and age groups can be involved to even in small areas of population to harness skills and deliver results. Leenane Development Association and the project committee chaired by Gerard McLaughlin are to be commended for their significant vision and effort.”
Bidding for glory in the ‘Best Environmental/Ecological Project’ category, Galway Public Libraries’ Fish and Chips – sustainably! project promotes community participation, social inclusion, and the protection of environment and heritage.
Utilising a multidisciplinary approach to cultivate and actively engage with enterprises, communities, voluntary sectors, third level institutes and the research community, Galway Libraries developed programming that encompassed ‘Science from land to sea’ as the driving theme for programme delivery. With an extensive array of workshops, interactive sessions, coding and VR experiences children of all ages were given the opportunity to learn about the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution. This project also combined an EU-led Expedition that involved ocean exploration led by the Tara Ocean Foundation and Tara Oceans Consortium with land-based mobile research units whose primary focus was on educational awareness and citizen engagement.
Eileen Ruane, Director of Services said, “The aim of the engagement was to showcase that all citizens have a responsibility to ensure that their actions cause less damage to the landscape around. Utilising the thematic approach to programming and combining extensive collaboration with research organisations projected Galway Libraries as a key component is community participation and engagement. The innovative use of STEAM methodologies and experience led programming ensured that opportunities were available to everyone regardless of age. Staff in our libraries showed initiative and creativity in delivering this project, while acutely aware of community need.”
Shortlisted in the ‘Best Mental Health’ category, Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes is a joint initiative of Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway City Partnership, Galway Rural Development and Galway Libraries.
Elizabeth Keane, Galway County and City Librarian stated, “Everyone connected with the Galway Age Friendly Programme is delighted the Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes Initiative in Galway City and County has been shortlisted as it raises the profile of the positivity of older age, the amazing contribution of older adults in our community who epitomise positive and active ageing, and contribute so much to our communities while also encouraging others to adopt a proactive and positive approach to their own ageing journeys.”
Shortlisted in the ‘Best Micro Start-up’ category, Portumna-based Solar Structures develops and implements innovative solutions for clients who want to install solar panels which do not fit a ‘standard solution’ template. The company commenced trading in 2022 following receipt of training, funding and business supports from LEO Galway. The company has since created 6 fulltime and 1 part time positions and plans further growth in the coming years.
According to Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise with Galway LEO, “With solid sales established in the first 2 years of business, the potential for Solar Structures to expand is significant. The company embraces entrepreneurial talent, skills and promote green, export, innovation and job creation, and Galway LEO is delighted to have played some part in this local business success story.”
Visit www.lamaawards.ie for more on the 2025 All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
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