A total of 10 Galway projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.
Now in their 23rd year, the awards recognise work being carried out by Ireland’s 31 local authorities across a range of areas including community development, social inclusion, climate action, recreation, culture and public services.
Galway City Council has been shortlisted for two projects: the Bóithrín na Saoirse Traveller Group Housing Scheme in the Diversity and Inclusion category, and the Living My Life Project in the Supporting Sustainable Communities category.
The Living My Life Project is a collaborative initiative involving Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Ability West, Corlann West Ireland – West Region, and Proactive Carers Galway.
The project supports people with intellectual disabilities to access housing and live more independently within their communities, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, choice, sustainable communities, and self-directed living.
Bóithrín na Saoirse provided five modern and energy efficient homes to resident families.
“These projects demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when local government works in partnership with communities, residents and stakeholders to address real needs and create opportunities for people to thrive,” Galway City Mayor Cllr Helen Ogbu said.
“The shortlisting reflects the ambition, innovation and commitment that continue to shape Galway as an inclusive and progressive city.”
In 2025, Galway City Council won Festival of the Year for the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival-Communities in Action.
The remaining eight shortlist nominations were awarded to Galway County Council, spanning categories including arts, the Irish language, festivals and municipal district initiatives. The eight nominations come as a sharp increase to the 2025 shortlist, where Galway County Council was not listed.
Among them is the Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Active Recreation Project, which transformed a historic area into an inclusive outdoor garden space with health and recreation amenities.
The Ballinasloe Multicultural Midsummer Festival was also recognised for celebrating cultural diversity, inclusion and community spirit, bringing local people and newcomers together through food, music, dance, sport, games and activities for all ages.
The following are the categories and projects for which Galway’s local authorities have been shortlisted:
The 2026 award ceremony where the winners will be announced will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin on November 26. There winners from each category will be selected as well as the overall winner of Local Authority of the Year.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
Health & Wellbeing – Connemara Dementia Cafe Initiative
Diversity & Inclusion – Park Lodge bungalows
Age Friendly Initiative – Climate Drive 60+
Municipal District Initiative – Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Active Recreation
Supporting Sustainable Communities – Leenane Community Park
Festival of the Year – Ballinasloe Mid Summer Festival
Sustaining the Arts – Tiny Mutiny
Irish Language & Culture – Scoil an Phiarsaigh 2025
Diversity & Inclusion – Bóithrín na Saoirse – Traveller Group Housing Scheme
Supporting Sustainable Communities – Living My Life Project