A NEW awards initiative has been launched to recognise the contribution, professionalism and impact of emergency service personnel across Ireland. The awards aim to provide a platform for recognising excellence across Ireland’s Blue Light and Frontline Emergency Services community. The Ireland Blue Light Awards will celebrate individuals and teams working across statutory and voluntary services, including An Garda Síochána, Fire & Rescue Services, the National Ambulance Service, Irish Coast Guard and search and rescue organisations.

The awards, which are free to enter, are being delivered in association with Out of the Blue, with Little Blue Heroes named as charity partner and EHS International as Gold Partner.

The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on Saturday August 15th at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Stephen Moore of Out of the Blue said: ‘I am so delighted to be involved with Connect Through Service in bringing the very first Ireland’s Blue Light Awards to life. Because if there is one group in our society that deserves to be recognised, honoured, and celebrated, it is the brave men and women of our emergency services.’

Chris Mee, founder and CEO of Gold Partner EHS International, added: ‘Emergency responders carry enormous responsibility. Their professionalism, training and teamwork protect lives every day. We are proud to support the Ireland Blue Light Awards and to help recognise the dedication of Ireland’s emergency services community.’

The Ireland Blue Light Awards build on an established programme recognising excellence within emergency services in Northern Ireland since 2024, now bringing that platform to a wider audience across Ireland.

Nominations for the Ireland Blue Light Awards are now open, with entries closing at 11.59pm on Sunday May 4th. Early submissions are encouraged.

Further information on award categories, nominations and event details is available at www.bluelightsawards.com