An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-03
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Teresa Costello (FF), Agricultural Panel

I begin by congratulating the organisers of the 2026 Local Authorities Members Association, LAMA, all-Ireland community and council awards on what was a truly fantastic event on Saturday night. It was a wonderful celebration of the people and projects that make such a difference in communities right across our country. For me, the night had very special significance because South Dublin County Council won not one, but two awards. It was recognised for the best enterprise and start-up hub for WorkIQ, but most importantly of all, it was named council of the year. If ever there was a time when I felt the right decision was made, it was Saturday night. I feel I genuinely know what South Dublin County Council is about and what it stands for. My dad worked there, my uncles all worked for the council, I worked for the council many years ago, I served as a member on the council and I am a resident of the area, so I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this recognition is truly deserved. The chief executive, Mr. Colm Ward, is a progressive, empathetic and forward-thinking leader who is always willing to listen and engage. His leadership sets the tone for the entire organisation. We are incredibly fortunate in south Dublin to have some of the best amenities in the country from our green flag parks to our excellent libraries, our community centres and local facilities. In South Dublin County Council, there is a constant drive to do better and raise standards for everyone who lives and works in our area. I can also say from first-hand experience that staff go above and beyond every single day to help and support the public.
We often take for granted the work of a local authority because so much of it happens quietly and seamlessly in the background, but behind every successful event, every well-maintained park, every community festival, every road improvement, every grass-cutting programme, every library service, every community centre and every match day at our football stadiums, there are dedicated people who make that happen. I want to say a very sincere "Well done" to Colm Ward and all of the staff of South Dublin County Council. As a resident and a public representative, I feel genuinely lucky to have such a committed and hard-working team looking after the place I call home.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-03-03/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:42+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-03