Dundalk and Blackrock retain gold medals in Tidy Towns
TIDY TOWNS ADJUDICATORS WENT TO EVERY CORNER OF LOUTH TO ASSESS THE WORK OF VOLUNTEERS. THESE ARE SNAPSHOTS OF THEIR HIGH PRAISE FOR THE COUNTY
ANNAGASSAN
Visitors arriving into Annagassan are left in no doubt that they’ve arrived somewhere special. Not just by the dramatic views but by the lovely touches in the viewing point as you arrive from Castlebellingham. The lovely painted stones with lighthouses, farm gates on some boats looked lovely as did the displays adorned with lifebuoy’s and birds.’
CARLINGFORD
Your involvement with this national competition over the last 40 years has led to a community that is united in its commitment to ensure that Carlingford is a thriving town. On adjudication day it certainly was thriving and it looked great. Your commitment to sustainability and the long term future of your community is to be applauded.
CASTLEBELLINGHAM - KILSARAN
Whilst much has changed in recent decades in your village, you have adapted and incorporated good quality new builds into your community. It was great to see new businesses thriving including the Castle itself, and the Foleys Tearooms both of which would encourage any passer-by to stop and explore the village.
ARDEE
The judges said they were delighted to have visited after a floral event in the town, which saw so many properties adorned with flowers and hanging baskets. ‘It was obvious that you all work together for a greater aim – the maintain and build a vibrant town of which you can be proud. Well done on the endeavours this year and every year for the past 43 years.’
CLOGHERHEAD
The village was praised for its ‘Fishing for Litter’ project supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara which encourages trawlers to land any litter encountered at sea. ‘It was great to see at the beach not only litter bins provided, but recycling bins, and sandwich boards with litter pickers and bags to encourage visitors to take part in a two minute beach clean-up before they leave. ‘
DROMISKIN
Dromiskin improved its scoring by ten points over the last year to 300, with the adjudicator saying: ‘Every corner in Dromiskin had something to offer or attract. The school and church were of a very high standard. In particular categories such as landscaping and wildlife and natural amenities you have excelled yourself.’
BLACKROCK
Adjudicators praised the coastal village volunteers for making the most of the stunningly attractive setting for both the community and visitors to enjoy. There is a strong sense that the Blackrock residents are extremely proud of their location. A clean and tidy environment was evident throughout. For a village of your size you have a large number of housing estates and you are to be congratulated on the excellent presentations at various locations. An appealing feature was the high standard of planting and mature landscaping. The Blackrock Park is very well integrated into the residential areas and the location of this multi-faceted park is nicely overlooked by surrounding housing, providing a safe environment for children and younger users of the facilities.
GRANGE
Well done on engaging and involving the younger members onto the committee of Grange TidyTowns. The Citizenship Morning delivered in Bush Post Primary brought home important messages of how 120 first years can make an active difference to their community by helping local groups including soup kitchens, Green Schools and TidyTowns. You have a great number of volunteers (40+) for a relatively small community. ‘Well done on commissioning an ecological study of the wildlife and habitats of Grange. From this you have identified some key actions to raise awareness and enhance the local fauna and flora.’
GREENORE
The standard of built heritage was excellent in Greenore. Victorian street lights, wrought iron railings and even matching hanging baskets all looked very well.
The seafront was highlighted as ‘one of the most special wildlife areas in Europe and is designated as both a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation.’
The impressed adjudicator said: ‘Driving onto Euston Street was like arriving on a film set! For 22 years you have entered the national competition and you have done extremely well. You now face new opportunities, with the newly opened ferry. It is hoped that the new influx of visitors into, and passing through, Greenore will enjoy a visit to the local railway museum and tea rooms.
KILCURRY
Kilcurry was described as a ‘small but surprising active community’, full of projects and examples of good work that help to advance in the Tidy Towns competition and contribute to the pride and the formation of a cohesive community.
‘ The church in Kilcurry enjoys a very prominent position and is surrounded by beautiful landscaping.’ The choice of bee-friendly shrubs and flowers was great to see and Kilcurry presented very well for its 2017 adjudication.’