'Fish and Chips – sustainably' won Best Environmental/Ecological Project at the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA ) Community and Council Award last weekend.
Developed by Galway Libraries, Fish and Chips – sustainably, was created to 'promote community participation, social inclusion, and the protection of heritage and the environment', by highlighting the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution.
Nominated for the awards by Galway County Council due to the outreach project's multidisciplinary approach to the topic, Fish and Chips – sustainably, actively engaged with enterprises, communities, voluntary sectors, third-level institutes and the research community.
Science from land to sea
Galway Libraries developed programming that encompassed ‘Science from land to sea’ as the driving theme for programme delivery with workshops, interactive sessions, coding and VR experiences for children of all ages about the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution.
The 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.
Now in its 19th year and considered the 'Oscars of the Local Government' sector, the award scheme hosted by LAMA and IPB Insurance recognises and celebrates communities and the country’s 31 local authorities working together. Three other local projects were shortlisted in separate categories in this year’s awards scheme but were unsuccessful in their bid to claim the top prize.
Local projects honoured
These three local projects were; Leenane Community Park, Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes and Portumna-based start-up, Solar Structures.
Leenane Development Association was shortlisted in the ‘Collaboration and Leadership’ category has for the key role it has played in the development of the age-friendly Leenane Community Park, which features accessible walkways on a disused plot overlooking Killary Harbour.
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.
Portumna-based Solar Structures was shortlisted in the ‘Best Micro Start-up’ category for its work to develop and implement innovative solutions for clients who want to install solar panels that do not fit a ‘standard solution’ template. The company commenced trading in 2022 following receipt of training, funding and business support from LEO Galway. The company has since created six full-time and one part-time position and plans further growth in the coming years.
Protecting both marine and land environments
Congratulating Galway County Council and Galway Libraries on the award win, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Martina Kinnane said, “Youth engagement in the areas of environmental awareness, biodiversity and the role we all play in protecting both marine and land environments is of extreme importance in today’s world. This project shows a real commitment from Galway Libraries and Galway County Council to empower communities through awareness and provide opportunities for collaboration and meaningful open discussion”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “Galway Libraries offer significant opportunities across the County to engage with core issues such as ecology, environmental impact and climate change. The delivery of the strategic aims of the Council are aligned in this project and showcase the innovation and creativity of library staff in supporting communities while delivering on national agenda.”
Community participation at the heart of progress
Speaking about the win, Eileen Ruane, Director of Services for Galway County Council 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. Utilizing the thematic approach to programming and combining extensive collaboration with research organisations projected Galway Libraries as a key component in 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 needs,” added Ms. Ruane.
