Causeway Coast and Glens Destination Marketing team announced as category winner at Local Government Awards

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.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, who attended the gala event said: “As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, I was delighted that four of our projects across five categories were nominated at the 2025 Local Government Awards.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Council’s Destination Marketing team for winning the ‘Communications Campaign of the Year’ Award for their Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024.

“The fact that we were nominated in five categories is a real testament to the dedication of Council officers across the Council area, and highlights the work they do to support our residents.

“We were honoured to be recognised for the work our Council officers do, and it was a lovely opportunity to chat to fellow Elected Members and Council officers from other areas in the North of Ireland. Well done to all the finalists, especially to the winning projects.”

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).

Local Government Awards 2025 finalists (listed in alphabetical order by council).

1. Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award - Award partner LGiU

Winner: Food Heartland - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

2. Service Innovation & Improvement Award - Award partner APSE

Winner: The Transformation and Modernisation into a U.K. Award Winning Leisure Service - Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.

3. Best Use of Data & Technology Award – Award partner SBRI

Winner: Bespoke CRM Digital Solution for Regional Enterprise Support Service - Belfast City Council

4. Engaging Communities Award – Award partner CCLA Good Investment

Winner: Belfast 2024 Programme - Belfast City Council

5. Collaborative Partnership Award - Hays Recruitment

Winner: Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster - Mid Ulster District Council

6. Local Government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award – Award partner LGSC

Winner: Autism Friendly Borough Initiative - Mid & East Antrim Borough Council

7. Communications Campaign of the Year Award - Award partner agendaNi

Winner: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024 - Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

8. Best Initiative by a Councillor Award - Award partner NILGA

Winner: Cllr Cadogan Enright, Green Economy - Newry, Mourne & Down District Council

9. Employee of the Year Award - Award partner William Johnston Memorial Trust

Winner: Deirdre O’Connor, Anti-Poverty Officer - Fermanagh & Omagh District Council

10. Innovative Planning for the Future Award - Award partner Quadra Consulting

Winner: ABC Place Plans - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council