Tipperary County Chamber wins national award for substance use initiative

County Tipperary Chamber has been named winner of the Local Authority Engagement Award at the 2025 Chambers Ireland Awards, earning national recognition for its leadership on one of the most important issues facing communities today — substance misuse.

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The award was presented for the Chamber’s Clonmel Community Conversations on Substance Use initiative, a powerful project delivered in partnership with Tipperary County Council and funded by Sláintecare Healthy Communities.

Tipperary stood out among strong competition from Cork, Galway, Fingal, Drogheda and Ennis — making this a landmark win for Tipperary  Chamber and a proud moment for the entire county.

As the only Chambers Ireland-affiliated Chamber in County Tipperary, this award reinforces the role of County Tipperary Chamber as a leading voice not only for business — but for community.

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The Chamber worked with Gardaí, schools, clubs, local services, and people with lived experience to gather real-life insights into substance misuse and its effects on the town. Four open forums were held across Clonmel, and the findings were analysed by Dr. Marie Walsh (TUS).

The project resulted in a locally driven plan with eight clear priorities — including education, Garda visibility, recovery supports, public information, and business protection. Work is already underway, with posters now visible in businesses with QR codes linking to supports,training for hospitality staff in development, a Chamber survey that helped improve Garda engagement
and ongoing work to lobby for stronger protections for local business owners,

“This award is about local voices being heard and acted on,” said Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber.
“We’re proud to represent the businesses of Tipperary — not just in Leinster House, but right here in our communities, on the issues that matter most.”

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“When our members raise concerns — we act. This is what a Chamber should be: bold, inclusive, and ready to lead from the ground up.”