IN PICTURES: Civic reception for Derry’s award winning Waterside Shared Village

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, hosted a civic reception in the Guildhall this week to recognise staff and Board members of the Waterside Shared Village following their success at the All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025, where the project was announced as the Inclusive Communities category winner.

The prestigious crystal award, inscribed with the citation “Celebrating Excellence in community inclusion and shared place-making,” was formally presented in acknowledgement of the organisation’s sustained commitment to building a welcoming, shared, and inclusive environment for all.

Mayor McHugh congratulated everyone at the organisation, “This award is a powerful endorsement of the vision, dedication, and hard work shown by everyone involved in the Waterside Shared Village. Their work demonstrates how inclusive, shared spaces can strengthen community cohesion for everyone involved. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone – keep up the inspiring work!”

PICTURED BELOW: Receiving the award is Director, Alderman Niree McMorris with from left, Laura Smyth, Jean Stewart, Lynn Donnell and Sharon Hart, Board members from Irish Street Community Association. (Photos: Martin McKeown)

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