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<h4>&nbsp;Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme Scoops National Award</h4>
<p>The Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme has scooped the national prize for Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2025.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The scheme has revitalised the historic canal towpath, introducing new crossings and traffic calming measures to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This transformation has turned the Eglinton Canal into a car-free city-centre trail, enhancing connectivity to key locations including Galway Cathedral, University of Galway, University Hospital Galway, the city centre, and the Spanish Arch.</p>
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<h4>Recognition for Galway City Council</h4>
<p>Now in its 19th year, the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards celebrate the efforts of local authorities in delivering impactful projects within their communities.</p>
<p>Galway City Council had a strong presence at this year’s event, securing 10 shortlist nominations across a diverse range of categories. A record 311 nominations were received for the 2025 awards, highlighting the depth of competition.</p>
<h4>Commenting on the achievement, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said:</h4>
<p>“I’m delighted to see the work and dedication of staff and Elected Members of Galway City Council recognised at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2025. Over 630 staff and 18 Elected Members work on a daily basis throughout our city to deliver services and infrastructure for the people of Galway. With 10 shortlisted projects and a win for Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland, these awards highlight Galway City Council’s strategic and community-driven approach to enhancing residents’ lives and positioning Galway as a leader in progressive, sustainable city development.”</p>
<h4>Cllr Níall McNelis, Deputy Mayor of Galway, also extended congratulations, stating:</h4>
<p>“Congratulations to all those shortlisted and winning an award on behalf of Galway City Council this evening. Staff and Elected Members look forward to building on these achievements to support flourishing communities and continued collaboration.”</p>
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<h4>Galway’s Strong Performance at the Awards</h4>
<p>Alongside the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme’s victory, Galway City Council was shortlisted for an impressive range of projects, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Council of the Year 2025: Galway City</li>
<li>Best Mental Health Initiative: Galway Positive Ageing Week (Galway City and Galway County)</li>
<li>Best Irish Language Initiative: Gaillimh le Gaeilge</li>
<li>Best Energy Smart Initiative: Net Zero Pilot City</li>
<li>Best Community Wellbeing Initiative: The Air We Share</li>
<li>Best CSR Project in Community: Ballybane Project</li>
<li>National Impact Award: Platform 94</li>
<li>Best Environmental/Ecological Project: Buaile Bó Ballyloughane – Conservation Grazing Project</li>
<li>Best Micro Start-Up: MartEye</li>
</ul>
<p>For more details on the awards and the full list of winners, visit <a href="https://lamaawards.ie/" target="_blank">lamaawards.ie.</a>&nbsp;</p>


Eglinton Canal Wins Best Trail/ Waterway in Ireland Award

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