Mayo County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards which took place today (26 November 2020 ).
The 17th annual Awards ceremony was held online and is organised in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It showcases and celebrates the best of Local Government in Ireland.
Speaking this afternoon Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said: "Local Authorities are at the heart of local economies right across the island and make significant contributions to Irish society and the communities they serve. The value of this contribution has never been felt as strongly than over the past year, as towns, villages, cities and regions cope with the impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods.
"As ever, it is an honour to host the Excellence in Local Government Awards. Our aim is to shine a spotlight on the valuable work of local authorities and profile the excellent projects and initiatives undertaken by teams in local government right around the country.
"Congratulations to all those shortlisted, specifically each person who worked tirelessly on these excellent projects. Congratulations to all this year’s winners, each of whom set an example of what excellence in local government should look like.
"Finally, congratulations to the 2020 Local Authority of the Year, Mayo County Council. We commend their commitment to excellence and in their work to ensure the sustainable development of the localities they represent, raising their county’s profile nationally.”
Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D. commented about the Awards: "Local Authorities have achieved the highest standards of performance, despite this year of great uncertainty. These standards are evident in all of the applications that were both entered and featured as the category prize winners in these awards.
"Having local government structures working to such a high level has helped to maintain an important sense of community in these difficult times and an inclusive, caring society for all.
"I thank Chambers Ireland for providing this platform to showcase the highly skilled, innovative and committed people who make up our local authorities, and I express my gratitude to the local authorities themselves for the vital contribution they make in communities across the country.”
Specially commissioned crystal awards designed by Waterford Crystal will be presented to the winners when restrictions allow.
