Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Campaign Wins at Local Government Awards 2025

Representatives from Causeway Coast & Glens Council celebrated success last night after winning the Communications Campaign of the Year Award at the Local Government Awards 2025.

The ceremony, held at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge, saw councils from across Northern Ireland gather to recognise excellence in local government service delivery.

Causeway Coast & Glens Council took home the top prize in the Communications category, partnered by agendaNi, for their "Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Spring Campaign 2024."

The award was presented by Gail Kinkead, Business Development Manager, agendaNi.

The council had been shortlisted in five categories overall, including Service Innovation & Improvement Award and Collaborative Partnership Award for their "Causeway Healthy Kids" initiative, which aims to improve children's health outcomes across the borough

Their "Bushmills Community Choices" project was recognised in the Engaging Communities Award category, while their PCSP Disability Project focusing on hate crime prevention was shortlisted for the Local Government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award.

NILGA President, Cllr Alison Bennington stated, "Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve while also supporting broader government and civic initiatives. Our councils undertake valuable work and dedicate time and resources to modernise and improve their areas for local communities, businesses, and visitors, as well as for wider government and civic society.

"The Local Government Awards are a testament to these services and provide benchmarks for broader government. They offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts.

"We can improve by learning from the best. This is a passion of NILGA, which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils. Congratulations to our winners and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and support the 2025 Local Government Awards."

Celebrating a "Decade of Achievement" for Northern Ireland's councils, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said "Councils play a central role in delivering a wide range of services and in helping to develop and grow the local economy - making life better for all our citizens.

The Minister continued, "Councils have made significant progress, taking on planning responsibilities, introducing Community Planning, and working in partnership with central government to develop and deliver City and Growth Deals. This has brought decision-making closer to local communities, ensuring services are tailored to meet specific needs. Local councils have also driven economic regeneration by partnering with businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting tourism. Initiatives like Labour Market Partnerships and the £1 billion investment in City and Growth Deals are creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and enhancing connectivity."

APSE Chief Executive Mo Baines remarked, "Across local government, day in and day out, our unsung frontline heroes go above and beyond to deliver for their local communities. The Local Government Awards highlight their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and excellence in public services. From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts, culture, and leisure, it is a privilege to recognise the fantastic work that local councils do on the front lines.

The awards cover ten categories, with sponsor partners and support bodies including agendaNi, the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), CCLA Good Investment, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Hays Recruitment, the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), the Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC), Quadra Consulting, the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), and the William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT).

The Local Government Awards 2025 recognise and reward excellence in service delivery in local government. They showcase the best examples of service provision, new initiatives and commitment from councils, councillors and officers.