It was a good day for Galway County Council at the 2024 All-Ireland Community and Council Awards on Saturday evening.
The recently opened BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, the community-based ‘Healthy Islands’ initiative, an innovative Corofin start-up, and a pilot scheme aimed at improving energy saving and management in County Galway’s social housing stock were all winners on the evening.
Now in its 18th year, the award scheme hosted by LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) and IPB Insurance recognises and celebrates communities and the country’s 31 local authorities working together.
Opened in January by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry is the first Centre of Excellence for the Irish food industry in the country and aims to drive regional and national growth in Ireland’s agri-food sector.
The facility, which was developed with the support of Galway County Council, was named overall winner of the ‘National Impact Award’.
Galway County Council was also named overall winner of the ‘Best Energy Smart Initiative’ for its ‘Heat Pump Remote Access’ project.
The pioneering approach to sustainable energy, which is currently being piloted in a local authority estate, involves the installation of GSM modems on domestic heat pumps to enable technicians to remotely monitor for energy efficiency and any maintenance requirements ahead of any required callouts.
Should the initial trial prove successful, Galway County Council says it will roll out the scheme across its full housing stock that contains heat pumps, including all new builds.
The ‘Healthy Islands’ project was named winner of the ’Best Community Health’ category in recognition of its efforts to promote health and well-being, improve communication, and enhance knowledge of available services among residents of The Aran Islands and Inishbofin.
The project featured free activities and resources for more than 200 participating residents, including pulse and blood pressure checks, healthy cooking workshops, a community fun run, yoga, relationship and sexual health education, citizen information advice, and exercise and fitness tips.
Corofin-based Heptagon Houses Ltd. was named winner of the ‘Best Micro Start-Up’ category having been shortlisted alongside four others.
The company, which has benefited from supports provided by Local Enterprise Office Galway, was acknowledged for its innovative business approach that has seen the family-run enterprise thrive as Ireland’s sole manufacturer and installer of Timber Framed Greenhouses.
Meanwhile, Galway County Council’s Garraí Ghuaire social housing development in Kinvara was shortlisted in the ‘Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning’ category.
Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, accepted the awards on behalf of the Local Authority.
Speaking following the ceremony he said, “It is wonderful to see the range and breadth of the Local Authority’s involvement in the day-to-day social and economic development of communities across County Galway being showcased on the national stage.”
“I am very proud of the staff of Galway County Council for their steadfast commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those who live and work in County Galway. These award wins are a testament to their hard work.”
