Wicklow County Council has been crowned ‘Council of the Year’ in Ireland in prestigious national awards.
Council of the Year recognises a local council which has gone above and beyond for the people of the community. It must have developed and be continuing to develop a range of innovative projects and initiatives which improve and enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects of community lives.
The fantastic accolade for the County came as Wicklow County Council was also shortlisted in 10 categories on the night.
Wicklow was judged to be Council of the Year in the awards which were presented in a special ceremony in the Royal Dublin Convention Centre in Dublin on Saturday night.
Commenting on the achievement, the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, said: "Wicklow’s win is a direct result of the outstanding work and commitment of staff and communities across the County. It was an honour to attend on the night and watch our County shine.”
Chief Executive Emer O’Gorman added: “I'm incredibly proud of the team in Wicklow, grateful for the support of our Elected Members and the work of our communities, volunteers and stakeholders in continuing to work to make Wicklow a great place to live, work, play and do business in.”
Now in its 18th year, the award scheme hosted by LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) and IPB Insurance, recognises and celebrates communities and the country’s 31 local authorities working together.
Cllr Michéal Anglim, Chairperson of LAMA, commented: “The 31 local authorities throughout the country have been always very supportive of the Awards and of LAMA and that is very much appreciated. People came for the awards from all the counties throughout the country. These awards are a thank you to those who have worked so hard at the many different projects across the country. The commitment of what people do locally and the volunteers create the life blood and backbone of our great country.
Chairman of IPB Insurance, the awards long term headline sponsor and partner, John Hogan, said: “IPB Insurance takes great pride in serving as the primary sponsor of the Community and Council Awards in collaboration with the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA). As the mutual insurer to Ireland’s local authorities, we are thrilled to support these Awards which celebrate the unique and symbiotic relationship enjoyed by local authorities and their communities. These accolades showcase the potential of local level community volunteerism when it is fostered and championed.”
These awards recognise and illustrate the collaborative work between Wicklow County Council, the community and volunteers creating a better place to live and work in Wicklow.