Sligo County Council has been honoured with two national awards at the 2025 LAMA All Ireland Community & Council Awards, recognising its outstanding contributions to enterprise development and tourism.
Sligo County Council Wins Two Prestigious Awards at the LAMA Awards 2025
The LAMA All Ireland Community and Council Awards recognise excellence in local government and community initiatives that enhance quality of life, foster economic growth, and celebrate cultural heritage. By spotlighting innovative projects and partnerships, the awards showcase Ireland’s commitment to building vibrant, sustainable communities.
At the event in Cork last weekend, Sligo County Council secured top accolades in the Best Enterprise & Start-Up Hub category for the AIM (Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing) Centre and Best Tourism Initiative for Queen Maeve Square. Additionally, the Council earned a nomination for Best Irish Language Initiative for Stair Shráideanna Shligigh, underscoring its commitment to cultural and community enrichment.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Declan Bree, stated:
“These awards reflect our commitment to fostering innovation, celebrating heritage, and empowering communities. The AIM Centre and Queen Maeve Square exemplify Sligo’s innovative and dynamic spirit, and we are equally proud of our Irish language nomination, which highlights our dedication to the promotion and preservation of our language”.
AIM Centre: Driving Digital Innovation in Manufacturing
Located in the creatively repurposed former Sligo Fire Station, the AIM Centre has become a beacon of technological progress for businesses in Ireland’s West and North-West regions. Opened in February 2024, the Centre empowers enterprises to embrace Industry 4.0 and 5.0 through a collaborative ecosystem that supports up to 80 innovators. Key services include its AIM Advisory program, offering tailored mentorship for scaling businesses; AIM Exchange, a platform fostering industry collaboration; and AIM Talent, which cultivates expertise in robotics, IoT, and AI. With recent backing from a €998,000 Smart Regions grant, the Centre is set to launch a National AI Studio, accelerating AI adoption among SMEs to boost regional competitiveness and solidify Sligo’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
Queen Maeve Square: A Catalyst for Tourism and Community
Developed through a pioneering partnership between Sligo County Council and Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), Queen Maeve Square has transformed into a cornerstone of Sligo’s cultural and economic vitality. Named after the legendary warrior queen, the square blends historical reverence with modern design, offering a vibrant public space along the Wild Atlantic Way. Designed as both an award-winning event venue and a welcoming gathering spot, it hosts festivals, markets, and performances year-round, driving tourism and fostering community connection. Since its redevelopment, the square has boosted footfall by 40%, revitalising local businesses and establishing Sligo Town as a must-visit destination for social and cultural engagement.
Celebrating Irish Heritage: Stair Shráideanna Shligigh
Sligo County Council’s nomination for Stair Shráideanna Shligigh reflects its dedication to preserving the Irish language. Launched during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024, the initiative featured guided tours led by historian Dr. Seosamh Ó Muirí, where participants explored Sligo’s street names through Irish. The project bridged language and heritage, offering a platform for conversational practice and community bonding. Its success has inspired ongoing Irish-language events, including Ciorcail Comhrá and Pop-Up Gaeltacht meetups, reinforcing Sligo’s commitment to language revitalisation.