Council scoops coveted prize at local government awards

Council scoops coveted prize at local government awards

17 October 2018

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council won a top prize at the recent local government awards ceremony.

The organisation picked up the top award in the best local authority design and capital build project for the new Newry Leisure Centre, while the council’s Epic Experiences festival programme was shortlisted in the best tourism initiative.

The local authority’s digital NMD initiative — which explores how the tourism and hospitality sector can enhance visitor experiences using digital technology — was shortlisted in the best enterprise initiative.

The council’s neighbourhood renewal officer, Sean McKevitt, was a finalist in the employee of the year category.

Held at the Armagh City Hotel, the annual awards are keenly contested. Newry, Mourne and Down Council was delighted to feature in a number of categories and win the prestigious design and capital build category.

There was also a familiar face for local council staff and officials when it came to the annual address at the ceremony by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association’s (NILGA) President.

The post is currently held by Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran, who congratulated all the winners and nominees at the annual awards co-ordinated by NILGA and the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) which this year attracted almost 80 entries.

Cllr Curran said almost a full electoral term had passed since the reorganisation of local government which reduced the number of district councils from 26 down to just 11.

“A huge amount of hard work and vision has gone into modernising councils for local communities, businesses and visitors, as well as meeting needs of wider government and civic society,” he said.

“As community impact grows and performance improves right across our 11 councils, these awards are testimony to how local government is truly at the hub of developing locally designed solutions to local need, as well as planning for a sustainable future. They also provide fantastic learning tools for councils, in an environment where every penny counts.”

Cllr Curran added: “We can do things better by learning from the best. Excellence and efficiency are things that NILGA is passionate about and it is reflected in our ambitious councils who are celebrating strong public services delivered through local people tonight.”

APSE chief executive Paul O’Brien, added: “Too often, the creativity and dedication shown by those who work in frontline services goes unnoticed. This is why these awards are so important. “They are a fitting tribute to the resilience and inventiveness of council staff across Northern Ireland who continue to work tirelessly to deliver first-rate services; going the extra mile to add real value to communities.”