Council seeking sponsors for roundabouts and green areas
FOLLOWING a successful pilot scheme in Gorey, Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from local businesses in sponsoring the maintenance of six landscaped areas in Enniscorthy.
The scheme was initially rolled out in Gorey and saw local businesses sponsor the planting and upkeep of roundabouts around the town.
Sponsorship of a roundabout or landscaped area will entitle the ‘selected sponsor’ to have advertising rights there and the council are describing it as an ‘excellent promotional opportunity’ for local businesses.
The six locations are Blackstoops, Abbey Square, Bellefield/ Cherryorchard, Milehouse Road, Carley’s Bridge Road and Castle Hill. The duration of the contract will be one year with an option to extend for two years and the cost to interested businesses would be between €1,200 and €4,000 per annum.
Under the terms of the scheme, the business would be granted a sign panel of 450mm wide and 300mm high and a maximum of four signs will be permitted. The scheme would see the sponsor purchase plant, flower beds etc for the roundabout, while the maintenance would remain the responsibility of Wexford County Council.
District Manager Liz Hore said that all money raised through the scheme would be ring-fenced for the Enniscorthy District. Cllr Johnny Mythen asked if the opportunity would be open to businesses across the county or just Enniscorthy businesses, pointing out he would rather see local businesses make use of the scheme. Ms Hore replied that in Gorey, the majority of interest had come from businesses in the local area.
Cllr John O’Rourke, meanwhile, urged that all plants and flowers be sourced from local nurseries, however, District Engineer Joanne Kehoe said that while the majority of plants etc for these kind of projects would be sourced locally, the council were by procurement rules. Anyone interested in obtaining more information on the scheme is urged to contact the Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices in Market Square.