Local councils nominated in numerous categories in Local Government Awards 2025

Local Councils Causeway Coast & Glens District Council and Mid Ulster District Council have been nominated in numerous categories in Local Government Awards 2025. 

Causeway Coast and Glens have been nominated for Service Innovation & Improvement Award and Collaborative Partnership Award (Causeway Healthy Kids), Engaging Communities Award (Bushmills Community Choices), Local Government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award (PCSP Disability Project Hate Crime), and Communications Campaign of the Year Award (Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024). 

Mid Ulster District Council have been nominated for Best Use of Data & Technology Award (Mid Ulster District Council celebrates the birth of a new registration appointment system),  Engaging Communities Award (Connecting Pomeroy), Collaborative Partnership Award (Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership: Working Together to Improve Employability in Mid Ulster), and Communications Campaign of the Year Award (Home for Christmas Campaign).

The Local Government Awards are all about recognising outstanding contributions, community impact and service excellence across local government and our councils.

The 2025 Local Government Awards have now reached the finalist stage. The campaign has seen an incredible response, with all councils submitting entries across the ten categories, and a total of 69 entries submitted.

These awards are designed to celebrate the exceptional efforts our councils make within their communities. They highlight innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councils, councillors, staff, and partners. The categories focus on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils provide every day, while also creating opportunities for local government staff and members to step forward and shine.

NILGA President, Councillor Alison Bennington, stated, “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve while also supporting wider government and civic initiatives.

"The Local Government Awards highlight the invaluable services provided to communities and local residents and serve as essential benchmarks for both government and civic sectors. They present excellent opportunities for councils to learn and grow, particularly in times when every penny counts, and we have finite resources.

"By learning from the best, we can continue to improve. This drive for advancement is at the heart of NILGA's mission and is evident in the commitment of each of our 11 member councils."

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. These Awards showcase their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and the delivery of excellence in public services. From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts, culture, and leisure, it is a real honour to recognise the fantastic work local councils do at the frontline. Congratulations and best of luck to all those shortlisted!”

The Awards cover ten categories and sponsor partners/support bodies contributing are: agendaNi, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), CCLA Good Investment, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Hays Recruitment, Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC), Quadra Consulting and William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT).

Nominees were judged by an independent panel and the winning council in each category will be announced at a Local Government Celebration and Gala Awards Recognition Evening at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, on Thursday 27 March 2025.