Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for six Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards
Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in six categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2023.
The projects range from community to economic development, and urban revival to environment.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said the recognition by Chambers Ireland was a great endorsement of the projects. “I am delighted to see that Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in six categories of the Excellence in Local Government Awards. This is the strongest representation Waterford City and County Council has ever had at these awards, and it is a testament not only to the innovation of the respective teams within the sectors, but also to the drive and vision of the Local Authority itself.”
Tramore Town Centre Public Realm Works has been shortlisted in the Urban Revival category. This award recognises initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments. The town centre works in the heart of Tramore have created a recognisable town centre and re-established confidence in Main Street Tramore, evidenced by the vibrant on street activity and number of recently repurposed previously vacant buildings.
Waterford’s Ukrainian Refugee Response has been shortlisted in the Diversity and Inclusion category, which celebrates the projects which have promoted inclusion, enhanced accessibility, and generally improve the quality of life of those from diverse or marginalised groups. Waterford City and County Council’s Refugee Response Team works closely with partner agencies ensuring the provision of medical, financial, language and educational support along with access to social integration and employment opportunities for Ukrainians arriving in Waterford.
A Celebration of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live is shortlisted in the Communications category. This award recognises communications and marketing campaigns that support local authorities’ strategic objectives. The #CelebrateWaterford symposium, held in Waterford’s Theatre Royal and in partnership with the Irish Times, showcased Waterford as a great city, with strong community ties, a rich arts and culture scene, a high calibre academic talent pool and workforce.
In the Climate Change category Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action team has been shortlisted for its Business Rates Waiver initiative to promote and support sustainability. As part of Waterford City and County Council’s objective to deliver a carbon neutral Waterford by 2040, the Local Authority is re-introducing its Commercial Rates Energy Discount Scheme to support and enable businesses and service providers to transition to carbon neutrality. In 2022, 1,000 businesses across Waterford took advantage of the scheme to identify opportunities for savings, explore the potential of renewable energy and avail of an 8% commercial rates reduction.
Waterford Museums of Time and Silver are shortlisted in the Heritage and Built Environment category. This category celebrates best in class by a Local Authority to promote public interest in, and knowledge, appreciation and protection of local heritage sites. The Museum of Time and the Irish Silver Museum were opened in June 2021 and are a part of the Viking Triangle project, expanding the offering in the area and encouraging visitors to explore more of what Waterford had to offer.
Mount Congreve – One of the Great Gardens of the World is shortlisted in the Supporting Tourism category. This award seeks to recognise best practice work by local authorities to promote and increase the tourism offerings in their local areas as well as helping people appreciate the tourism attraction within their local area. The result of this investment project is a world-class, purpose-built visitor centre, café and gift shop along with a variety of walking routes which are peppered with creative interpretation bringing the history of the estate to life.
The 2023 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards are sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the award ceremony takes place in Dublin on November 23rd
