Community spirit was front and centre at the Dublin City Council North Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards, hosted at the Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel.

The scheme recognises the work of residents, schools and businesses in fostering cleaner, greener places and enhancing neighbourhoods for both locals and visitors.

Run by Dublin City Council's Waste Management Section and delivered through the Public Domain and Community Development teams, the North Central winners will now go forward to the overall Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards later this year.

With the theme 'Supporting Local Community Environmental Initiatives', this year's competition attracted 136 submissions across residential, school and business categories.

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Presenting the awards, Daryl Barron, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, praised local volunteers and community groups, noting that 88 groups took part in Dublin Community Clean-Up Day on 18 April.

Daryl Barron, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, said: "The Dublin City Council City Neighbourhoods Competition is a showcase of the work of countless individuals who help strengthen community spirit, improve their local areas and build thriving, sustainable communities. Environmental improvement is about much more than planting flowers, keeping streets clean or creating attractive green spaces. It is about people coming together, giving their time freely and taking pride in where they live, work and learn.

"When residents work collectively to improve their neighbourhoods, the benefits extend far beyond the physical environment. It creates a stronger sense of belonging, encourages people to look out for one another and helps make our communities welcoming, vibrant and enjoyable places for everyone."

He also paid tribute to Members First Credit Union, sponsor of the North Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards.