Welcome to the
all Ireland community
& council awards

Best Irish Festival

Open to any festival or event staged in a local community or county. The Best Irish Festival of the Year award recognises the huge effort made by both residents and organisers to make an event happen and the sense of community such an endeavour creates. The winning festival/event will also have boosted tourism and attracted business to the area, thereby raising the community’s profile and cementing the area’s commitment to building a healthy and whole neighbourhood.

• Describe your Festival and outline any unique features. (40%)
• Describe the successes of your Festival – include figures and any PR received, describe how it boosted tourism and attracted business to the local area. (30%)
• Describe the objectives/goals and outcomes of the Festival. (30%)

Community-Based Initiative

This category recognises community-based initiatives which were put in place to develop and deliver services within communities to meet local needs. These may range from justice to child care initiatives, to cultural or environmental projects. They must have impacted upon the community or improved lives of those in the surrounding area

• Tell us about the initiative – the quality of it, what it entailed etc. (40%)
• Tell us about how efficiently it was executed – was there a time frame, was it for particular members of the community etc? (30%)
• Tell us how this community-based initiative contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (30%)

Community Sports Team/Club

This category is for a publicly funded sports club which offers all members of the community the best possible service, coaching and facilities, all in a community environment based on the core values of integrity, camaraderie, respect, and enjoyment. The sports club should aim to develop and sustain an active life service which impacts positively on community members’ quality of life.

• Tell us about the Local Sports Club – why it was set up, and with what goals in mind? (30%)
• Tell us about the range of facilities available in the club. (30%)
• What benefits does it bring to the community? (40%)

Community Volunteer of the Year

This category is for those who go above and beyond for their community and create a positive impact in their community. They also inspire and motivate others.

• Tell us about your community volunteer’s work in either a community group or local charity which has made a significant change to community life. Outline their level of involvement in the community and describe the impact their commitment has had on the locality. (100%)

Emergency Response / Person of the Year

This category has been created to recognise the extraordinary people we rely on in times of crisis who have been heroic and gone beyond the call of duty. This person/team may have shown extreme courage during an incident or dedicated a lifetime of service to the community whether on a voluntary basis or whilst on duty.

• Tell us about your Emergency Response Person/Team of the Year. A story that shows extreme courage during an incident or dedicated a lifetime of service to protecting the community, whether on a voluntary basis or whilst on duty. (100%)

Best Business working with the Community

This category aims to find the best Irish business working in the community who has recognised a wider responsibility to their people and the communities in which they work. This can be by helping communities by having a positive impact on the people and community around them and working with integrity and responsibility. The business may be involved in charitable and community activities by for example supporting a local club through sponsorship or raising money for a local charity group.

• Tell us about the business, and specifically how it engages with the three pillars of ‘People, Planet, Profit’: In regards to ‘People’, how does the business interact with the community in a social respect, and what is the business’ relationship with the local council? (40%)
• Planet’: Does the business endorse environmental responsibility, and adopt third-party certifications, such as Fair Trade? Refer to any reductions of resources, and levels of energy use and waste. (30%)
• ‘Profit’: How has the business assisted the local community in economic terms? Has the business create new jobs, or ensured job security? (30%)

Best Local Authority Innovation for attracting inward Investment

This award recognises a County that has introduced new initiatives and developed infrastructure which creates the best conditions and business environment to attract inward investment.

• Outline the initiative and why. (40%) (50%)
• Details the how this improved Inward Investment. (30%)
• Outline the opportunities future growth and plans for your county. (30%)

Best Education / Training Initiative

This category acknowledges education and training initiatives that educate local communities. These type of initiatives are put in place to help those in communities who wish to further their education in order to return to work, or for those who wish to return to education and build confidence before returning to work. These training and education schemes can range from any age – childhood to adult.

• Tell us about the initiative – Course content, who attended? (30%)
• Tell us how efficiently it was executed – was there a time frame, was it for particular members of the community etc? (30%)
• Tell us how this community-based initiative contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)

Best Public Park

This category recognises the redevelopment or enhancement of a green area. It may incorporate scenic views, playground facilities, enhanced landscapes, walkways, or other recreational facilities which may add to the aesthetic, cultural, historical or social value of the park and the surrounding communities.

• Tell us about the Public Park’s design – why it was designed that way, and with what goals in mind? (50%)
• Tell us about the materials used, the finish, and maintenance of the Public Park – how did you ensure a high standard of quality? (30%)
• Tell us how your playground contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (20%)

Best Social Housing Project / Initiative

(incl. community, public and affordable housing)

This category acknowledges excellence within social housing projects which have been developed in the last three years enabling stability and sustainability within communities. Projects will have provided homes for traditional families, lone-parent families, the elderly, homeless and disabled people. It will also have succeeded in its aims to provide a high standard of accommodation whilst relieving a local housing need as well as establishing and maintaining socially integrated communities rather than just shelter or accommodation.

• Outline the social housing development from planning to final execution highlighting challenges you may have faced including time constraints, budgets, and accommodation requirements. (40%)
• Outline the construction of the development including the design and sustainability of the building and its impact on its surrounding environment in the community. (30%)
• Describe how the project responds to the needs of the local community, the variety of tenants housed, how their needs are met through ease of access within the building and to local services. (30%)

Best Educational Building

This category is for an educational building that has been upgraded or completed in the past 3 years. This educational building may have unique elements, or an innovative and interesting layout conducive to learning. This building may also be situated in a community that will greatly benefit from either its construction or the amenities provided by it

• Tell us about the educational building’s design – why it was designed that way, functionality, and purposefulness? (40%)
• Tell us about the look of the building – materials used, the finish, and maintenance of the building – how did you ensure a high standard of quality? (20%)
• Tell us how your educational building contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)

Best Heritage Project

This category is for a project that has restored a historical site or has been historically/culturally significant, which has been completed in the past 3 years

• Tell us about the construction of the project, as well as the reasons for the design and its artistic merit – why were these used? (60%)
• Tell us about the significance of the project to the area that it is in – how was this a fitting project? (10%)
• Tell us how the piece is worked into the surrounding environment and how does it contribute to the local community? (30%)

Disability Access and Inclusion Award

This category recognises organisations and individuals within a community who promote disability inclusion as a human right and contribute to the accessibility of people with disabilities in sport, physical activity, and community life.

• Tell us about the organisation/individual – What are the objectives, goals, and outcomes (30%)
• Outline the project or idea (35%)
• How has the organisation/individual raised awareness of the opportunities and challenges that face those with disabilities – provide insights and innovative ideas to develop workable solutions (35%)

Best Connected Council

(Communication and Digital marketing)

This category will recognise the community that is connected to councils, businesses and each other, can access services easily and quickly and communicate activities and events taking place in the area with the click of a mouse. This category will take into account a community’s use of social media and websites that promote community initiatives, whether that be information on coffee mornings, parent and baby groups, local markets or jumble sales.

• Describe how your community is connected, include details of communication methods both online and offline, The community response and the volume of interacting with the service (40%)
• Describe how the communities use of social media and websites promote community initiatives. (30%)
• Outline the improvement in community connections as a result of community connection methods used. (30%)

Best Tourism Initiative

Specifically aimed at rewarding an initiative which directly increases visitor numbers to an area or to Ireland overall, this category will recognise an initiative or project that has helped improve the way we care for our visitors. The impact this initiative has had or is having on visitor numbers and on communities will be taken into consideration, as will the effect it is having on businesses, both new and existing.

• Describe this Tourism Initiative and outline the objectives set. (30%)
• Detail your Tourism Initiative marketing campaign. Include details of both online and offline campaigns and any international reach. (30%)
• Outline the success of the Tourism Initiative. Describe the benefits to the community, Business and how visitor numbers increased. (40%)

Best Energy Smart Initiative

This category recognises pioneering or innovative approaches to sustainable energy; this can range from a unique energy awareness campaign, a forward-thinking approach to retrofitting, inclusion of renewable energy technology, improvements to existing energy-management techniques, novel ways of communicating energy information or the implementation of an ambitious energy management policy. By promoting the use of energy in an intelligent and advanced way, this category recognises the efforts by a local authority (either council-wide, by department or even by an individual) to become more energy-smart in how it operates on a day-to-day basis, with demonstrated savings in energy. The project should be exemplary in its field and should be easily replicated in other organisations.

• Does this project demonstrate a smart or forward-thinking approach to the sustainable use of energy? (30%)
• Does this project apply unique and innovative methods that have previously not been used before? (30%)
• Is this project exemplary in its field, can it lead by example? Can this project be easily replicated in other local authorities? (40%)

Best Community Health Initiative

This category recognises and celebrates organisations/individuals that have developed activities, facilities, policies and strategies that encourage an active and healthy community, as well as promoting mental, physical or emotional health.

• Outline the project/facility and/or activity that was put in place to improve the health & well being of the community. (50%)
• Tell us how the project/facility and/or activity contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (50%)

Best CSR Community Programme

A CSR community programme should represent a sustained effort by a business to strengthen its links within its local community and to have a positive impact on the area. The programme should respond to a specific need in the community and should focus on the measures taken by a business to engage with the community and all relevant stakeholders involved.

• Outline the project and describe the objectives, giving reasons as to why this project was established. (40%)
• Tell us about how efficiently the project was executed and who was involved in the execution. (30%)
• Describe the success and outcomes of the CSR Community Project, who it benefited and if it will continue to be implemented. (30%)

Best Social Enterprise of the Year

(Not open for public entry)

Social enterprises are organisations whose mission is to have a positive effect on society. They generate revenue through their products or services and reinvest their profits back into their social mission. Social enterprises develop solutions to Ireland’s most pressing social issues by creating jobs, tackling disadvantage and supporting community development.

In January 2018, Social Innovation Fund of Ireland launched the Social Enterprise Development Fund to find and back the best social enterprises in Ireland. The fund is run in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland, with the support IPB insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Best waste management programme

This award recognises communities/councils and businesses that have developed a plan/initiative to reduce its dependency on landfill, by putting in place appropriate measures and approaches to reduce waste using a range of measures, namely, prevention and minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal, while at the same time making the most of opportunities to recover resources from waste.

• Outline the waste management programme from development to execution and the benefits it will have for the local community (40%)
• Describe the response from the community and how their involvement contributed to the execution of the programme (30%)
• Highlight the the sustainability of the programme and plans for maintaining and continuation of the programme in the future (30%)

Best Environmental/Ecological Project/Initiative

This category seeks to celebrate projects/initiatives that have taken action to improve their local environment; such projects might work to enhance biodiversity; reduce waste; or improve water or air quality, increase energy efficiency/sustainability. These activities could include campaigns to encourage greener behaviours or installation and restoration projects that have environmental improvement as their primary goal. These programmes should have been carried within the local community and have had a tangible outcome in terms of improving the environment.

• Describe this Environmental/Ecological Project/Initiative and outline the objectives. (30%)
• Tell us how the project contributes to the community and responds to the needs of the local community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)
• Tell us about the outcome of the project, how the success of the project was measured and will the initiative continue to be implemented and how? (30%)

National Impact Award

This category recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it.

• Tell us about the overall concept – why the end result was decided upon and with what result in mind – cultural, social, economic? (40%)
• Tell us about how the project was received by the public, press or foreign visitors? (20%)
• Tell us how the project benefitted the public, or impacted the lives of the community members through social, cultural, economic or business use. (40%)

Council of the year

Council of the Year recognises a local council which has gone above and beyond for the people of the community. It must have developed and be continuing to develop a range of innovative projects and initiatives which improve and enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects of community lives. This category is not open for entry; instead County Councils with the highest number of finalists over all the categories will be invited to submit a 600 word entry outlining the criteria below.

• Tell us about the key projects that were undertaken by the council and how they were implemented? (50%)
• Tell us about the success of each project and how the success of each project was measured? (50%)

Grand Prix

(Not open for public entry)
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Grand Prix Award is a special commendation for outstanding excellence. This prestigious award goes to the project/initiative that received the highest average mark from our esteemed judging panel.

Best Irish Festival

Open to any festival or event staged in a local community or county. The Best Irish Festival of the Year award recognises the huge effort made by both residents and organisers to make an event happen and the sense of community such an endeavour creates. The winning festival/event will also have boosted tourism and attracted business to the area, thereby raising the community’s profile and cementing the area’s commitment to building a healthy and whole neighbourhood.

• Describe your Festival and outline any unique features. (40%)
• Describe the successes of your Festival – include figures and any PR received, describe how it boosted tourism and attracted business to the local area. (30%)
• Describe the objectives/goals and outcomes of the Festival. (30%)

Community-Based Initiative

This category recognises community-based initiatives which were put in place to develop and deliver services within communities to meet local needs. These may range from justice to child care initiatives, to cultural or environmental projects. They must have impacted upon the community or improved lives of those in the surrounding area

• Tell us about the initiative – the quality of it, what it entailed etc. (40%)
• Tell us about how efficiently it was executed – was there a time frame, was it for particular members of the community etc? (30%)
• Tell us how this community-based initiative contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (30%)

Community Sports Team/Club

This category is for a publicly funded sports club which offers all members of the community the best possible service, coaching and facilities, all in a community environment based on the core values of integrity, camaraderie, respect, and enjoyment. The sports club should aim to develop and sustain an active life service which impacts positively on community members’ quality of life.

• Tell us about the Local Sports Club – why it was set up, and with what goals in mind? (30%)
• Tell us about the range of facilities available in the club. (30%)
• What benefits does it bring to the community? (40%)

Community Volunteer of the Year

This category is for those who go above and beyond for their community and create a positive impact in their community. They also inspire and motivate others.

• Tell us about your community volunteer’s work in either a community group or local charity which has made a significant change to community life. Outline their level of involvement in the community and describe the impact their commitment has had on the locality. (100%)

Emergency Response / Person of the Year

This category has been created to recognise the extraordinary people we rely on in times of crisis who have been heroic and gone beyond the call of duty. This person/team may have shown extreme courage during an incident or dedicated a lifetime of service to the community whether on a voluntary basis or whilst on duty.

• Tell us about your Emergency Response Person/Team of the Year. A story that shows extreme courage during an incident or dedicated a lifetime of service to protecting the community, whether on a voluntary basis or whilst on duty. (100%)

Best Business working with the Community

This category aims to find the best Irish business working in the community who has recognised a wider responsibility to their people and the communities in which they work. This can be by helping communities by having a positive impact on the people and community around them and working with integrity and responsibility. The business may be involved in charitable and community activities by for example supporting a local club through sponsorship or raising money for a local charity group.

• Tell us about the business, and specifically how it engages with the three pillars of ‘People, Planet, Profit’: In regards to ‘People’, how does the business interact with the community in a social respect, and what is the business’ relationship with the local council? (40%)
• Planet’: Does the business endorse environmental responsibility, and adopt third-party certifications, such as Fair Trade? Refer to any reductions of resources, and levels of energy use and waste. (30%)
• ‘Profit’: How has the business assisted the local community in economic terms? Has the business create new jobs, or ensured job security? (30%)

Best Local Authority Innovation for attracting inward Investment

This award recognises a County that has introduced new initiatives and developed infrastructure which creates the best conditions and business environment to attract inward investment.

• Outline the initiative and why. (40%) (50%)
• Details the how this improved Inward Investment. (30%)
• Outline the opportunities future growth and plans for your county. (30%)

Best Education / Training Initiative

This category acknowledges education and training initiatives that educate local communities. These type of initiatives are put in place to help those in communities who wish to further their education in order to return to work, or for those who wish to return to education and build confidence before returning to work. These training and education schemes can range from any age – childhood to adult.

• Tell us about the initiative – Course content, who attended? (30%)
• Tell us how efficiently it was executed – was there a time frame, was it for particular members of the community etc? (30%)
• Tell us how this community-based initiative contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)

Best Public Park

This category recognises the redevelopment or enhancement of a green area. It may incorporate scenic views, playground facilities, enhanced landscapes, walkways, or other recreational facilities which may add to the aesthetic, cultural, historical or social value of the park and the surrounding communities.

• Tell us about the Public Park’s design – why it was designed that way, and with what goals in mind? (50%)
• Tell us about the materials used, the finish, and maintenance of the Public Park – how did you ensure a high standard of quality? (30%)
• Tell us how your playground contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (20%)

Best Social Housing Project / Initiative

(incl. community, public and affordable housing)

This category acknowledges excellence within social housing projects which have been developed in the last three years enabling stability and sustainability within communities. Projects will have provided homes for traditional families, lone-parent families, the elderly, homeless and disabled people. It will also have succeeded in its aims to provide a high standard of accommodation whilst relieving a local housing need as well as establishing and maintaining socially integrated communities rather than just shelter or accommodation.

• Outline the social housing development from planning to final execution highlighting challenges you may have faced including time constraints, budgets, and accommodation requirements. (40%)
• Outline the construction of the development including the design and sustainability of the building and its impact on its surrounding environment in the community. (30%)
• Describe how the project responds to the needs of the local community, the variety of tenants housed, how their needs are met through ease of access within the building and to local services. (30%)

Best Educational Building

This category is for an educational building that has been upgraded or completed in the past 3 years. This educational building may have unique elements, or an innovative and interesting layout conducive to learning. This building may also be situated in a community that will greatly benefit from either its construction or the amenities provided by it

• Tell us about the educational building’s design – why it was designed that way, functionality, and purposefulness? (40%)
• Tell us about the look of the building – materials used, the finish, and maintenance of the building – how did you ensure a high standard of quality? (20%)
• Tell us how your educational building contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)

Best Heritage Project

This category is for a project that has restored a historical site or has been historically/culturally significant, which has been completed in the past 3 years

• Tell us about the construction of the project, as well as the reasons for the design and its artistic merit – why were these used? (60%)
• Tell us about the significance of the project to the area that it is in – how was this a fitting project? (10%)
• Tell us how the piece is worked into the surrounding environment and how does it contribute to the local community? (30%)

Disability Access and Inclusion Award

This category recognises organisations and individuals within a community who promote disability inclusion as a human right and contribute to the accessibility of people with disabilities in sport, physical activity, and community life.

• Tell us about the organisation/individual – What are the objectives, goals, and outcomes (30%)
• Outline the project or idea (35%)
• How has the organisation/individual raised awareness of the opportunities and challenges that face those with disabilities – provide insights and innovative ideas to develop workable solutions (35%)

Best Connected Council

(Communication and Digital marketing)

This category will recognise the community that is connected to councils, businesses and each other, can access services easily and quickly and communicate activities and events taking place in the area with the click of a mouse. This category will take into account a community’s use of social media and websites that promote community initiatives, whether that be information on coffee mornings, parent and baby groups, local markets or jumble sales.

• Describe how your community is connected, include details of communication methods both online and offline, The community response and the volume of interacting with the service (40%)
• Describe how the communities use of social media and websites promote community initiatives. (30%)
• Outline the improvement in community connections as a result of community connection methods used. (30%)

Best Tourism Initiative

Specifically aimed at rewarding an initiative which directly increases visitor numbers to an area or to Ireland overall, this category will recognise an initiative or project that has helped improve the way we care for our visitors. The impact this initiative has had or is having on visitor numbers and on communities will be taken into consideration, as will the effect it is having on businesses, both new and existing.

• Describe this Tourism Initiative and outline the objectives set. (30%)
• Detail your Tourism Initiative marketing campaign. Include details of both online and offline campaigns and any international reach. (30%)
• Outline the success of the Tourism Initiative. Describe the benefits to the community, Business and how visitor numbers increased. (40%)

Best Energy Smart Initiative

This category recognises pioneering or innovative approaches to sustainable energy; this can range from a unique energy awareness campaign, a forward-thinking approach to retrofitting, inclusion of renewable energy technology, improvements to existing energy-management techniques, novel ways of communicating energy information or the implementation of an ambitious energy management policy. By promoting the use of energy in an intelligent and advanced way, this category recognises the efforts by a local authority (either council-wide, by department or even by an individual) to become more energy-smart in how it operates on a day-to-day basis, with demonstrated savings in energy. The project should be exemplary in its field and should be easily replicated in other organisations.

• Does this project demonstrate a smart or forward-thinking approach to the sustainable use of energy? (30%)
• Does this project apply unique and innovative methods that have previously not been used before? (30%)
• Is this project exemplary in its field, can it lead by example? Can this project be easily replicated in other local authorities? (40%)

Best Community Health Initiative

This category recognises and celebrates organisations/individuals that have developed activities, facilities, policies and strategies that encourage an active and healthy community, as well as promoting mental, physical or emotional health.

• Outline the project/facility and/or activity that was put in place to improve the health & well being of the community. (50%)
• Tell us how the project/facility and/or activity contributes to the community – who does it benefit and how? (50%)

Best CSR Community Programme

A CSR community programme should represent a sustained effort by a business to strengthen its links within its local community and to have a positive impact on the area. The programme should respond to a specific need in the community and should focus on the measures taken by a business to engage with the community and all relevant stakeholders involved.

• Outline the project and describe the objectives, giving reasons as to why this project was established. (40%)
• Tell us about how efficiently the project was executed and who was involved in the execution. (30%)
• Describe the success and outcomes of the CSR Community Project, who it benefited and if it will continue to be implemented. (30%)

Best Social Enterprise of the Year

(Not open for public entry)

Social enterprises are organisations whose mission is to have a positive effect on society. They generate revenue through their products or services and reinvest their profits back into their social mission. Social enterprises develop solutions to Ireland’s most pressing social issues by creating jobs, tackling disadvantage and supporting community development.

In January 2018, Social Innovation Fund of Ireland launched the Social Enterprise Development Fund to find and back the best social enterprises in Ireland. The fund is run in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland, with the support IPB insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Best waste management programme

This award recognises communities/councils and businesses that have developed a plan/initiative to reduce its dependency on landfill, by putting in place appropriate measures and approaches to reduce waste using a range of measures, namely, prevention and minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal, while at the same time making the most of opportunities to recover resources from waste.

• Outline the waste management programme from development to execution and the benefits it will have for the local community (40%)
• Describe the response from the community and how their involvement contributed to the execution of the programme (30%)
• Highlight the the sustainability of the programme and plans for maintaining and continuation of the programme in the future (30%)

Best Environmental/Ecological Project/Initiative

This category seeks to celebrate projects/initiatives that have taken action to improve their local environment; such projects might work to enhance biodiversity; reduce waste; or improve water or air quality, increase energy efficiency/sustainability. These activities could include campaigns to encourage greener behaviours or installation and restoration projects that have environmental improvement as their primary goal. These programmes should have been carried within the local community and have had a tangible outcome in terms of improving the environment.

• Describe this Environmental/Ecological Project/Initiative and outline the objectives. (30%)
• Tell us how the project contributes to the community and responds to the needs of the local community – who does it benefit and how? (40%)
• Tell us about the outcome of the project, how the success of the project was measured and will the initiative continue to be implemented and how? (30%)

National Impact Award

This category recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it.

• Tell us about the overall concept – why the end result was decided upon and with what result in mind – cultural, social, economic? (40%)
• Tell us about how the project was received by the public, press or foreign visitors? (20%)
• Tell us how the project benefitted the public, or impacted the lives of the community members through social, cultural, economic or business use. (40%)

Council of the year

Council of the Year recognises a local council which has gone above and beyond for the people of the community. It must have developed and be continuing to develop a range of innovative projects and initiatives which improve and enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects of community lives. This category is not open for entry; instead County Councils with the highest number of finalists over all the categories will be invited to submit a 600 word entry outlining the criteria below.

• Tell us about the key projects that were undertaken by the council and how they were implemented? (50%)
• Tell us about the success of each project and how the success of each project was measured? (50%)

Grand Prix

(Not open for public entry)
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Grand Prix Award is a special commendation for outstanding excellence. This prestigious award goes to the project/initiative that received the highest average mark from our esteemed judging panel.