The winners for the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Community & Council Awards 2024 sponsored by IPB Insurance have been announced; the finalists represented their respective local authorities at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday 17^th February 2024.

The awards provide a great opportunity to highlight the work done within local communities, to reward unsung heroes and recognise the remarkable contribution they’ve made to our lives as well as acknowledge achievements by County Councils, partnerships and projects across Ireland.

In its 18^th year, these awards continue to grow nationally celebrating communities and councils working together. The 2024 awards, presented by Marty Whelan, saw a record number of 273 nominations across the 31 councils which was whittled down to 133 shortlisted projects in 26 categories.

Following an in-depth judging process the deserving winners were chosen.

With 25 categories such as Best Mental Health Initiative, won by Sligo County Council’s “Here for you” to Best Housing Regeneration, taken by Fingal’s “Churchfields Masterplan”, to Community Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Limerick’s Anthony O’Donnell, the winners were varied and across the country’s councils.

Highlights of the evening included the coveted Grand Prix Award, being awarded to Fingal County Council, who won as they had the most shortlisted and winning projects combined over an aggregate score. Council of the Year went to Wicklow County Council for their amazing yearlong work, while Galway County Council was recognised with the National Impact Award for their BIA Innovator Campus.

The full list of winners is outlined below.

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.”

Full list of winners