A thousand stories of local impact
Last Friday, local authorities across Ireland came together to mark Your Council Day, a nationwide campaign celebrating and promoting the work of local government. With over 1,000 stories shared across social media and online platforms, the day offered a vibrant and wide-reaching showcase of the many services councils provide to communities every day. The day provided an opportunity to spotlight just a selection of the 1,000+ services that local authorities deliver across Irish society.
This year’s theme, Building Stronger Communities, was embraced by councils, who used the campaign as an opportunity to highlight how their work strengthens and supports the communities in which we live, work, and connect. Through engaging videos, photos, and stories, they demonstrated the real impact of local government in people’s lives.
The campaign featured a rich mix of content, including:
Community Connections and Services
A key focus of the campaign was on the people behind local government. Councils introduced members of their teams, including librarians, long-serving staff and chief executives, giving the public a glimpse into the dedication and experience that drives local services. They also profiled partnerships with community groups and highlighted initiatives that promote health, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
Culture, Heritage, and the Arts
Local authorities celebrated Ireland’s rich cultural landscape by offering free access to museums and archaeological sites, spotlighting cultural venues, and showcasing their support for the arts. They also highlighted their ongoing efforts to protect heritage and biodiversity, reinforcing the role councils play in preserving the past while enriching community life today.
Essential Everyday Services
The campaign also shone a light on the wide range of practical services that often go unnoticed but are crucial to daily life. These included awareness-raising around first responder and lifeguard services, the work of civil defence teams, and the important role of dog wardens in maintaining public safety and animal welfare.
Recreation and the Environment
Councils highlighted their role in enhancing quality of life through access to sports and recreation facilities, promoting active travel, and supporting greener living. Posts featured everything from local walking trails and playgrounds to environmental tips and initiatives aimed at creating more sustainable communities.
Business and Economic Support
The campaign also showcased how local authorities support local economies, sharing information on grant schemes, enterprise supports, and initiatives that help businesses grow and thrive within their communities.
Events and Engagement
From lookbacks at past festivals to previews of upcoming ones, councils used the day to celebrate community spirit and transformation. Stories of local infrastructure projects and revitalised public spaces illustrated how council-led initiatives are helping to shape vibrant, inclusive places to live.
The public response was overwhelmingly positive, with thousands of people engaging with the content online. Throughout the Day, it was top trending on the X platform in Ireland. The campaign not only celebrated the work of local authorities but also helped raise awareness of the often unseen services that shape daily life in towns and cities across the country.
And it received excellent national and local media coverage, with council-led initiatives promoted to the public through media. National media coverage for the campaign included RTE Radio News at One and Drivetime , RTE online, The Irish Independent, Journal.ie, Daily Mail, Irish Mirror, Irish Daily Star.
Your Council Day 2025 not only celebrated the essential work of local authorities but also powerfully demonstrated their role in building stronger, more connected communities - earning widespread public engagement and national recognition in the process.