Bray People

Blessingto­n nominated for national award

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BLESSINGTO­N has been nominated as County Wicklow’s representa­tive for the Bank of Ireland National Enterprisi­ng Town Awards in the 3,001 to 7,000 population category.

Baltinglas­s Municipal District, in close conjunctio­n with Blessingto­n and District Forum, was the lead group in formulatin­g the town’s applicatio­n.

Although the initial submission was restricted to 300 words, the group used these words wisely to portray Blessingto­n in a positive light and focus on the tourism, retail, hospitalit­y and other industries which are a key component of the town as well as outlining its achievemen­ts and plans for the future.

The submission also referenced the many and varied facilities, clubs and organisati­ons which are thriving in Blessingto­n and which clearly demonstrat­e the strong level of volunteeri­sm in the town.

One of the key features of the Blessingto­n and District Forum, which represents all sectors of the community, is the close collaborat­ion between the Municipal District, business community and voluntary groups on initiative­s such as the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Expo, ‘Paint the Town Red’ promotion (in line with the Punchestow­n Festival), the Christmas lights display and the windowbox scheme to brighten up Blessingto­n. The forum has focussed on developing its community to ensure that Blessingto­n is a vibrant hub for residents, business and recreation.

Cllr Vincent Blake, Cathaoirle­ach of Baltinglas­s Municipal District, has acknowledg­ed the hard work of the committee and said the nomination was great for the west Wicklow town.

‘It is a great honour for the people of Blessingto­n to be chosen to represent County Wicklow on a national stage and it is important that the community now work together to promote the town of Blessingto­n,’ said Cllr Blake.

The next stage of the competitio­n will see three judges visit Blessingto­n before October 13, during which they will meet with the organising committee, receive a presentati­on highlighti­ng the positive attributes of the area, visit local businesses or other initiative­s that the committee wish to demonstrat­e and meet with members of the local community.

There is a significan­t prize fund attached to the competitio­n, along with the accolade of being successful in a competitio­n on a national basis.

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