Louth County Council wins national e-Government Award for VARCITIES project

Caption: L-R: Willie Walsh, Senior Executive Officer, Louth County Council; Ursula Conlon, Executive Planner, Louth County Council; Jack Chambers, T.D., Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; David Hanratty, Acting Director of Operations and Environment Delivery,  Louth County Council, Linda Larrigan Senior Executive Librarian, Louth County Council; and Padraig O’Hora, Senior Executive Engineer, Louth County Council at the 2025 e-Government Awards ceremony which took place on Thursday, 18 September. 

Louth County Council’s VARCITIES project took home the Smart Cities and Urban Development category award at the 2025 e-Government Awards ceremony which took place on Thursday, 18 September. 

Now in its 23rd year, the prestigious e-Government Awards, celebrates the people and projects that are transforming public services locally and nationally through innovative digital solutions.

The VARCITIES pilot project is a transformative urban regeneration initiative co-funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. Located within the courtyard area of the County Library and Museum in Dundalk, the project, named The Still, has revitalised a former industrial site and staff car park into a tranquil, inclusive public space that promotes health and well-being through the application of nature-based solutions.

Key features include an outdoor learning pod, a sensory-rich garden, sensor-equipped bike stations, and a digital twin health and wellbeing platform displaying real-time, environmental data as well as the accompanying GoNature Game. The project exemplifies smart, innovative, people-centred urban design that blends nature-based solutions with sustainability and digital innovation.

Commenting on the win Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said:

“Winning this e-Government award is a proud achievement for Louth County Council, but more importantly, it’s a win for the people of Louth. The Still has transformed the County Library into a vibrant, health-focused public space that supports wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability. I want to thank everyone involved for helping us deliver real, lasting benefits to the people of Louth.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council added:

“The Still at Louth County Library is more than a physical space—it’s an example of how we can use smart technologies and innovation to improve the everyday lives of our citizens. By blending nature, technology, and heritage, we’ve created a place that supports wellbeing, inclusion, and community connection.

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"Being recognised alongside so many outstanding projects from across the country is a real honour. It reflects the growing wave of innovation in the public sector, where digital transformation is being used not just to modernise services, but to make them more human, more accessible, and more impactful. I’m proud that Louth is playing a leading role in this movement.”

David Hanratty, Acting Director of Operations and Environment Delivery at Louth County Council, accepted the award on behalf of the Council saying:

“This award celebrates our work on the health and wellbeing platform and Go Nature Game. These tools allow for real-time environmental monitoring which informs better urban design, responsive public health interventions, environmental education and greater connection to place. All of which enhance the quality of life for everyone in County Louth for generations to come.

"I would encourage everyone to visit the space and experience what it has to offer.”