The winners for the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Community & Council Awards 2026 sponsored by IPB Insurance have been announced; the finalists represented their respective local authorities at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday 28^th February 2026.

 

This year the Awards celebrated three major milestones: the 20th anniversary of the Awards, 40 years of the LAMA Executive, and a century of our main sponsor, IPB Insurance.

 

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 20^th year, these awards continue to grow nationally celebrating communities and councils working together. The 2026 awards, presented by Marty Whelan, saw a record number of 533 nominations across the 31 councils which was whittled down to 137 shortlisted projects in 26 categories.

 

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

 

With 26 categories, such as Best Irish Festival, won by Dublin City Councils “Sensoria” to Best Transformative Capital Projects, taken by Meath’s “Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway” to Community Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Limerick’s “Helen 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 Dun Laoighaire-Rathdown, who won as they had the most shortlisted and winning projects combined over an aggregate score. Council of the Year went to South Dublin County Council for their amazing yearlong work to rapturous celebrations, while a joint venture across Laois, Longford, Offaly & Westmeath was recognised with the National Impact Award for their “Midlands Ireland – Driving Stem in the Midlands”.

 

The full list of winners is outlined below.

 

Cllr Damien Ryan, Mayo, 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, especially in this momentous 20^th Anniversary year of the Awards. 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:

 

“As we celebrate 100 years of IPB Insurance, we are especially proud to partner with LAMA in honouring the remarkable collaboration between local authorities and their communities. These Awards showcase the purpose, protection and partnership that have defined our

 

century-long commitment to Ireland’s public sector. We’re delighted to play our part in shining a light on the best of local leadership and community spirit. There is extraordinary work taking place in towns, cities, and rural communities across the country, work that demonstrates what is possible when councils and communities come together with shared vision and determination. The people and projects recognised tonight reflect the resilience, creativity, and volunteer spirit that strengthen local democracy and improve quality of life for people nationwide.”