Louth County Council’s VARCITIES project at Dundalk Library nominated for award

Louth County Council’s VARCITIES project at Dundalk Library has been nominated for a 2025 e-Government award. 

The VARCITIES pilot project, a transformative urban regeneration initiative co-funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, has been nominated in the Smart Cities and Urban Development category.

Located within the courtyard area of the County Library and Museum in Dundalk, the project, named The Still, has revitalised a former industrial site into a tranquil, inclusive public space that promotes health and well-being. 

Key features include an outdoor learning pod, a sensory-rich garden, sensor-equipped bike stations, and a health and wellbeing platform displaying real-time environmental data. The initiative exemplifies innovative, people-centred urban design that blends heritage with sustainability and digital innovation.

The annual e-Government Awards, which will take place on the 18th of September at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin, shine a spotlight on the depth and scale of digital transformation happening at a local level. 

Read also: €1 Million investment announced for regeneration of Ardee Castle

Sixteen of Ireland’s 31 local authorities have been shortlisted across 16 of the 17 categories – highlighting the growing influence and ambition of local government in shaping the future of public service.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: "This nomination is a proud moment for Dundalk and Louth County Council. The VARCITIES project at the County Library is a shining example of how we can reimagine public spaces to support community well-being, sustainability, and innovation.

"It’s a testament to the creativity and collaboration of our teams and partners, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved and wish them the very best of luck on the 18th of September.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: "Being shortlisted for a national e-Government Award reflects Louth County Council’s commitment to digital transformation and citizen-focused design. As a public space, The Still is a forward-thinking model for how technology, nature, and heritage can come together to enhance life in an urban environment.”

Ursula Conlan, Executive Planner for Sustainability at Louth County Council, said: “This nomination celebrates our pioneering work on the Digital Twin Platform and the engaging Go Nature Game, both developed through the innovative use of sensor technology at our VARCITIES pilot site.

"As part of the EU-funded collaborative VARCITIES project, this achievement highlights Louth County Council’s leadership in harnessing digital innovation to enhance urban sustainability and citizen engagement.” 

View the full list of e-Government Award nominees at https://digitalgovawards.com/