DUNDALK LOOKS GOOD
Dundalk’s green fingered gardeners and hard-working residents’ associations got their moment in the sun when their efforts were recognised at the Dundalk Improve Our Town Awards 2016 in An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk Town Hall recently.
The town’s great achievement in retaining its gold medal status in the National Tidy Towns Award for the ninth time was celebrated as tributes were paid to all those who work to keep their community looking its best.
The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Paul Bell noted that ‘ the Improve Our Town competition encourages increasing pride in and respect for all that Dundalk has to offer, it is a testament to how teamwork and co-operation can bring about success.’
‘ The on-going efforts made by so many continue to make Dundalk an attractive, clean and inviting place for everyone who live in, work, shop or simply visit the town,’ he continued.
He also thanked the sponsors, REA Gunne Property for their continuing support of the awards.
Praising the work of all the residents’ groups and businesses in Dundalk in ‘maintaining and improving the appearance of the town for everyone, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Ms Joan Martin said that the standard in this year’s competition was again extremely high,
Dundalk’s success in the Tidy Towns was ‘attributed to the commitment of the volunteers, in particular those who strive all year round to maintain and improve their local area.’
‘ Together with the work of Louth County Council’s parks and landscaping crew, your work is important and the joint contribution is essential to the overall aim of maintaining Dundalk at this high level.’
The chairperson of Dundalk Tidy Town’s Committee Mr Willie Duffy said they were honoured to have been asked by Louth County Council to design and build a commemorative Centenary Garden in honour of Thomas J Clarke, one of the signatories of the 1916 proclamation.
‘ This is situated on the Fair Green and will be there in 2116 when the next celebration takes place,’ he declared.
Congratulating all those who took part in the work towards the 2016 Improve Our Town Competition, he said he hoped that the would continue the effort so that next year Dundalk could celebrate their tenth gold medal in a row at National Tidy Towns level.
The awards honoured the best residential estates and streets in town, both private and local authority, as well as business premises, gardens and individuals who contribute most environmentally in their communities.
Monty Don and Dermot Gavin wouldn’t get a look in with Dundalk’s enthusiastic gardeners displaying great expertise and imagination as they transform their gardens into havens of colour and tranquility, with those who grow their own fruit and vegetables also rewarded.
Residents’ committees ensure that their streets and estates are looking at their best throughout the year while many of the town’s businesses, shops, pubs and restaurants make sure that Dundalk is an attractive place for visitors and shoppers.