Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle has been shortlisted for an award in Chamber Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Awards 2008.

The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) established the awards in 2004 to acknowledge and encourage best practice and constructive initiatives by local authorities and also to enhance the positive relationships that already exist between chambers, businesses and their respective local authorities.

Limerick County Council's newest administrative building and office complex has been singled out in the 'Outstanding Customer Service' category, the winner of which will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 6 November in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, County Dublin.

The state-of-the-art building, which was officially opened last March, accommodates six key local authority services that were previously based at separate locations throughout County Limerick.

Congratulating the Local Authority on being shortlisted, Councillor John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said: "The development of Lissanalta House has most notably resulted in the provision of what must be one of the most modern and technically best-equipped library headquarters in the country.

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"This 45,000 sq ft development is not only a significant moment for the Council, but a milestone in the delivery of public services in this county."

Gerry Behan, Director of Services, Limerick County Council, said the development of Lissanalta House formed part of Limerick County Council's strong emphasis on providing accessible and convenient services to members of the public.

He said: "The delivery of high quality services, tailored to meet the needs of all our customers, is one of Limerick County Council’s core objectives and is included in our Corporate Plan 2004-09. Work recently commenced on an integrated project with the Courts Services, the Library Service and an Area Office on a single site in Kilmallock, and will open to the public in 2009."

Lissanalta House has been shortlisted for Chamber Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Award based on its delivery of accessible and convenient services for the public.

One of the outstanding features of the building, which was designed by local architects Healy & Partners, is the promotion of modern energy design solutions.

Numerous environmentally friendly installations have been incorporated including solar panels that provide 70% of domestic hot water to the building, high levels of fabric insulation that reduce energy consumption and natural ventilation to all offices.

Already, the building has won a National Award from Gypsum Industries for the innovative use of plasterboard in ceiling design.

Meanwhile, the council has confirmed that up to 15% of the buildings' total electricity needs will be generated by a Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power system.

(PR/JM)