Fermanagh and Omagh District Council employee named Local Government Employee of the Year

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council employee, Deirdre O’Connor, was named ‘Local Government Employee of the Year’ at the 2025 Local Government Awards on Thursday 27 March 2025.

The Council’s Data Science and Intelligence Team was also shortlisted as a Finalist in the awards category of ‘Best Use of Data and Technology’.

Coordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the awards ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils as part of Local Government Reform.

Deirdre, the Council’s Anti-Poverty Officer, was recognised for her work and support to people and communities within the Fermanagh and Omagh District to minimise the impact of poverty.

Following her appointment in 2022, Deirdre embraced her role and established relationships at a local and regional level to advance the Council’s commitment to work in partnership to tackle poverty and disadvantage in the District.

Deirdre was instrumental in establishing and implementing support for people through the Council’s hardship fund since 2022 and in the development of a delivery mechanism for social supermarket funding fitting to the rurality of the District.

Deirdre also worked with a wide range of stakeholders to co-design a 10-year Anti-Poverty Strategy for the District, ‘Pathways Out Of Poverty,’ which launched last year.

The Council’s Data Science and Intelligence team was recognised as a Finalist at the awards ceremony for developing and implementing ‘dashboard’ reporting across the Council. This reporting has enabled data to be better understood, used and shared to support the Council organisation as one with a vibrant, evidence led culture.

Speaking about the awards success, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said:
“Congratulations to Deirdre on winning the Local Government Employee of the Year Award. This is a significant achievement which recognises Deirdre’s commitment and the key contribution she has made to the Council and the wider community.
I would also like to congratulate the Data Science and Intelligence Team on being shortlisted as finalists.
We are honoured to be recognised for the work our staff do to enhance the District and improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities.”

Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said:
“On behalf of the entire Council, I would like to congratulate Deirdre on being named Local Government Employee of the Year at the 2025 Local Government Awards.
This recognition is testament to Deirdre’s commitment and excellence in supporting local communities. Additionally, our Data Science and Intelligence team’s achievement as a finalist in the ‘Best Use of Data and Technology’ category shows the innovative and forward-thinking approach that continues to drive our success.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, these accomplishments reflect our ongoing dedication to progress, service to our communities, and excellence. Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”