Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in two categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025.
The awards are held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, vision and innovation within local government.
The Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford has been shortlisted in the Climate Change category. This category recognises innovative initiatives that not only educate but take concrete actions to mitigate against the effects of climate change.
As part of Waterford City and County Council’s Roadmap to delivering a Carbon Neutral Waterford by 2040, the Local Authority introduced its Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford in September 2024.
A baseline emissions inventory of Waterford City revealed that businesses were the largest source of emissions in the city, accounting for 28% of emissions. Many are small businesses that struggle to find the time or capital to invest in changes that would make their business more sustainable.
In 2024 Waterford City and County Council ran an ambassador campaign to encourage businesses to sign up to the Pledge and complete actions to reduce their carbon footprint over the next few years. Businesses were rewarded with a 9% rates discount while the Council monitored emissions reductions.
Over 1,000 businesses have taken the Pledge and the Council continues to work with these businesses to give them the support, tools and advice they need to become more sustainable.
In the Health and Wellbeing category, Good Grief has been shortlisted. This award recognises initiatives by a Local Authority that promote the health and wellbeing of its community.
Good Grief is a collaborative initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Wexford County Council, funded by Creative Ireland. Its primary focus is exploring the role of creativity in supporting self-soothing for adults over 18 in their second-year post-bereavement.
By partnering with academic institutions and health organisations, Good Grief seeks to understand how artistic engagement can aid emotional healing and resilience during the complex grieving process. Good Grief exemplifies a community-focused, cross-sectoral approach to bereavement support, highlighting the importance of creative expression as a tool for wellbeing and recovery in the later stages of grief.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “I am delighted to see the work of Waterford City and County Council and its partners recognised nationally.
“These projects highlight the effectiveness of collaborations between the Local Authority, business stakeholders, health and education institutions and the local community.
“From promoting and supporting ways to mitigate climate change to providing mechanisms to enrich mental health and wellbeing, these projects demonstrate that truly powerful results can be yielded when people work together.”
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council added, “The awards recognise and showcase dedication and enthusiasm. This year’s shortlisted projects not only demonstrate innovation and drive, but also the vision of the Local Authority, working in conjunction with local stakeholders in continuing to make Waterford the best place to live, work and invest in.”
The 2025 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage take place in Dublin on November 27th.
