Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) is celebrating after scooping three awards at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.
Riverfest Limerick was crowned Festival of the Year 2024. The Local Authority Innovation Award went to the Council’s Living Again: Vacancy, Dereliction and Reuse initiative and the Limerick Migrant Forum won in the Diversity & Inclusion category.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commended the achievements, saying:
"These awards reflect the best of Limerick—our innovation, inclusivity, and ability to bring people together to celebrate our vibrant community. Riverfest Limerick continues to shine as a signature event, drawing thousands to our city, while forward thinking policies like tackling dereliction through Living Again and embracing inclusion through the Limerick Migrant Forum demonstrate the real impact of policies on people’s lives. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to these successes.
"I am proud to see my councillor and officials colleagues and others, show how Limerick leads by example, making our city and county a fantastic place to live, work, and visit."
Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney added his congratulations, saying:
"To win three awards at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards is a remarkable achievement for Limerick City and County Council. These accolades not only celebrate the creativity and hard work behind Riverfest but also highlight the Council’s leadership in addressing key issues such as vacancy and inclusion.
"The Living Again initiative and Limerick Migrant Forum are testaments to our commitment to improving quality of life for all. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the staff, councillors, and community partners who make these projects possible and ensure that Limerick continues to thrive."
Additionally, Limerick City and County Council was honoured to be shortlisted for the overall award of Local Authority of the Year, marking the third consecutive year the Council has been nominated for this esteemed accolade. LCCC won the title in 2023, solidifying its reputation as a leader in delivering excellence in local government services. The overall award this year went to Donegal County Council.
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly highlighted the remarkable dedication of the Council's team:
"Three consecutive shortlistings for Local Authority of the Year, and winning in 2023, is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of our staff who work closely with the Mayor and councillors to deliver for the people of Limerick. Innovation, hard work, and focus on excellence ensure that we are consistently improving the quality of life for all our citizens. I want to thank every member of our team. I also want to congratulate Donegal County Council on winning Local Authority of the Year 2024.”
About the Award Winners
The Vacancy, Dereliction and Reuse program has placed Limerick City and County Council as a key player in the housing market. LCCC are now providing a large supply of residential units for sale on the open market that would not be available without the intervention of the Council using powers under the Derelict Site Act, 1990. The Council envisages that this will continue on an annual basis due to national figures on dereliction and vacancy.
The Limerick Migrant Integration Forum was established by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) as part of the EU INTEgreat Project in partnership with Doras. The Forum aims to empower migrant communities in Limerick to promote social inclusion, integration and active participation in key decision-making bodies and networks in the region. The Forum boasts over 40 members from over 20 diverse backgrounds, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Limerick.
Riverfest Limerick 2024 was a resounding success, featuring crowd favourites such as the Riverfest Fireworks, thrilling water sports displays, the ever-popular BBQ on the Boardwalk, and live entertainment. A majestic winged Pegasus parade thrilled thousand of people who gathered along the riverside. The festival’s unique energy is beautifully captured in a video available HERE.
Make the most of Limerick’s next festival, Christmas in Limerick 2024 with a comprehensive event guide available HERE.
For more information about Limerick’s award-winning festivals and upcoming events, visit Limerick.ie.
