Through its membership of the CoR-UK Contact Group, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) helped create an important opportunity to showcase the strength and contribution of local government in Northern Ireland, in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and its award-winning Food Heartland initiative.
NILGA supported a reception in Brussels today, providing a valuable platform to highlight the innovation, leadership and international relevance of local government in Northern Ireland.
Hosted at the EU Committee of the Regions during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the reception brought together elected members from across Europe, European Commission officials, Members of the European Parliament and government representatives. NILGA’s participation through the CoR-UK Contact Group ensured that Northern Ireland local government was represented in an important international forum for engagement, visibility and partnership-building.
The event provided a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships, raise the profile of council-led achievement and demonstrate the contribution of local government to economic development, community wellbeing and regional identity.
In partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, NILGA helped to showcase one of Northern Ireland’s local government success stories, Food Heartland. Established in 2015, the initiative brings together farmers, food producers and chefs across the borough to promote a vibrant food culture and highlight the region’s exceptional culinary offering. In 2025, it received the Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award at the NILGA Local Government Awards, recognising ten years of collaboration, place-based leadership and positive impact on the local agri-food economy.
Its inclusion in the Brussels reception demonstrated how local government can support enterprise, strengthen regional identity and generate lasting economic and social value, while also promoting the quality of Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector to an international audience.
Through the CoR-UK Contact Group, NILGA is continuing to ensure that local government in Northern Ireland has a platform to share best practice, celebrate achievement and build meaningful international connections.
Cllr Billy Webb, President of NILGA, said: “The reception provided an important opportunity to present Northern Ireland local government on the European stage and to demonstrate the strength, ambition and innovation of our councils. Through the CoR-UK Contact Group, NILGA is helping to create opportunities for engagement, collaboration and the sharing of best practice, while ensuring that the voice of local government in Northern Ireland is represented in international discussions. Our partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to showcase Food Heartland offered a compelling example of the leadership and impact that councils can deliver for their communities and local economies.”
Cllr Mary O’Dowd, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said: “Food Heartland reflects the exceptional quality of our local producers, the distinct identity of our borough and a shared commitment to celebrating and promoting our food heritage. We were pleased to work with NILGA to bring this award-winning initiative to Brussels and to demonstrate how local government can support enterprise, strengthen communities and promote place on an international stage.”
The reception marked a positive opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland and the leadership of local government across the region to an influential European audience.
