€500 Million Industry to Honour Excellence Across 17 Categories at Dublin’s Historic Mansion House
DUBLIN, Ireland – The Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) has opened applications for its highly anticipated Industry Awards 2026, the country’s premier recognition event for an industry that employs over 30,000 people and maintains standards across thousands of commercial, healthcare, and public facilities nationwide.
The ceremony, scheduled for Friday, 16 October 2026 in the historic Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House, will once again shine a spotlight on the essential workers and innovative companies who operate largely behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe, and healthy environments across Ireland.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 awards have expanded to include 17 independently judged categories, reflecting the growing sophistication and specialisation within the sector. The programme now encompasses:
- 8 site-specific excellence categories across Healthcare, Education, Retail, Office, Industrial, Leisure
- 4 business excellence categories from Innovation, Sustainability, Training & Development, and Health & Safety
- 2 team and company recognition awards for Rising Star and Cleaning Team of the Year
“The contract cleaning industry has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years,” notes Jillian Wilson of the ICCA. “From advanced hygiene protocols developed during the pandemic to cutting-edge green cleaning technologies and professional career pathways, our sector is more dynamic and essential than ever. These awards celebrate not just cleaning excellence, but the innovation, dedication, and professionalism that modern facilities management demands.”
RIGOROUS INDEPENDENT JUDGING PROCESS
Returning as independent judges for 2026 are industry veterans Lynn Webster and Lorraine Larman, whose combined expertise ensures the highest standards of assessment. The judging process includes comprehensive paper evaluations, on-site inspections, and detailed interviews with operational staff and supervisors at each nominated facility.
THE HUMAN IMPACT
Behind every gleaming hospital ward, spotless school corridor, and pristine office building are dedicated cleaning operatives who take pride in their work. The ICCA Awards specifically recognise individual achievements at both operative and supervisory levels, highlighting the vital role these professionals play in public health and workplace wellbeing.
Recent industry data shows that Ireland’s contract cleaning sector has experienced steady growth, with increasing recognition of cleaning as a skilled profession requiring training, certification, and ongoing professional development. Many award-winning companies now offer career progression pathways, apprenticeships, and specialised training in areas such as infection control, sustainable cleaning practices, and advanced technology deployment.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP
Bunzl Ireland returns as Headline Sponsor for 2026, continuing its strong partnership with the ICCA in supporting professional standards across the sector. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for suppliers and industry partners wishing to align with this flagship industry event, which attracts over 300 attendees representing Ireland’s leading contract cleaning companies, in-house facilities teams, and industry suppliers.
KEY DATES
Applications Open: Monday, 10 February 2026
Application Deadline: Thursday, 24 April 2026
Judging Period: May – September 2026
Tickets On Sale: Wednesday, 30 April 2026
Awards Ceremony: Friday, 16 October 2026
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Commercial contract cleaning companies, in-house cleaning teams, and individual operatives working across Ireland are encouraged to apply. Applications are welcomed from organisations of all sizes, from specialist niche providers to large-scale national operators that are members of the Irish Contract Cleaning Association.
For application guidelines, sponsorship opportunities, or ICCA membership information, contact:
Jillian Wilson
Email: jwilson@irishcontractcleaningassociation.ie
Web: www.irishcontractcleaningassociation.ie
ABOUT THE ICCA
The Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) is the representative body for Ireland’s professional commercial contract cleaning industry. Established to promote best practices, professional standards, and industry recognition, the ICCA supports member companies in delivering world-class cleaning and facilities maintenance services across healthcare, education, commercial, industrial, and public sector environments throughout Ireland.
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The contract cleaning industry in Ireland employs over 30,000 people and generates an estimated €500 million in annual revenue
- The ICCA Industry Awards have become the industry’s most prestigious recognition event
- The ceremony attracts attendees from across the island of Ireland and includes representatives from major facility management companies, healthcare trusts, educational institutions, and corporate organisations
- High-resolution images and interview opportunities with judges, previous winners, and ICCA representatives are available upon request
- Category sponsors for 2026 include Bunzl Ireland (Headline Sponsor)
Photo opportunities: The ICCA can facilitate site visits to previous award-winning locations and arrange interviews with cleaning teams for feature stories.
