The County Clare town scored 290 points, an increase of eight points on last year's result, to beat off competition from all over Ireland and claim the accolade. The Committee achieved a Bronze Medal in Category D of the Tidy Towns Competition in 2003 and 2004, while it received a Silver Medal in the same category in 2005 and 2006.
"Winning a gold medal is a massive achievement for everybody involved", stated Cllr Tom Clyne, Mayor of Kilrush.
He added that the award marks the culmination of months of hard work by local volunteers and members of the Kilrush Tidy Town's Committee to improve the appearance of Kilrush.
Mayor Clyne said, "I would like to particularly acknowledge Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee which has worked tirelessly and selflessly to improve the appearance of Kilrush. The volunteers have toiled throughout the summer in various public areas to create and maintain flowerbeds, keeps streets tidy, cut grass and pick up litter. This award further enhances the status of Kilrush as a growing and prosperous town."
According to Murt Collins, Chairperson of the Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, "Key to our progress in the Tidy Towns scheme has been the partnership approach that we adopted some years ago. There is a broad range of groups and organisations now involved in promoting and enhancing the appearance of the town including the local Tidy Towns Committee, FAS schemes, outdoor and clerical staff from Kilrush Town Council, the local business sector, and the community of Kilrush."
Ms. Fiona Mooney, Kilrush Town Clerk explained that taking part in the Tidy Towns Competition has impacted positively on the appearance of the town.
"In recent years, Kilrush has been scoring consistently high in the areas of Overall Developmental Approach, The Built Environment, Landscaping, Wildlife and Natural Amenities, Litter Control, Tidiness, Residential Areas and General Impression. This improved appearance has been observed and commented upon by the many thousands of visitors to the town each year. This can only have positive consequences for the town’s image and future growth", concluded Ms. Mooney.
The Tidy Towns competition is a national competition organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The competition involves participating towns being rated on all aspects of their local environment. The Tidy Towns competition has been running in Ireland for over 50 years and each year attracts more than 700 local communities.
-END-
Notes to Editors:
- Fiona Mooney (087-2579826)
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 0868534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
