North and Mid-Cork shine in litter challange
THE north and mid- Cork regions performed exceptionally well in the 2016 Cork County Council Anti-Litter Challenge – with a number of towns and villages achieving podium finishes.
A celebration of the energy and dedication of local groups to maintain and upgrade their environments, the competition was established 20-years-ago as a way of recognising their tireless efforts.
This year saw a record 114 communities from across the county enter the competition, the results of which were announced by County Mayor Seamus McGrath at the awards ceremony in County Hall.
Speaking at the event Cllr McGrath congratulated all who took part for “making the challenge the success that it is.”
“After two-decades the initiative continues to be a phenomenal triumph and is quite literally an achievement that can be seen on the ground,” said Cllr McGrath.
“We all greatly appreciate the efforts of all the people who keep our county litter free and this night is recognition of the fantastic voluntary effort throughout the year.
Millstreet finished in pole position in the top tier Category A section (towns), narrowly beating Blarney into top spot, while Ballincollig will compete in the A category next year after winning the B1 (towns) section.
Mitchelstown also performed well in the B2 (towns) category finishing in a creditable third place.
The Charleville contingent was also celebrating on the night after scooping the Best Improver Town category.
North Cork did exceptionally well in the villages category, with Meelin finishing in top spot of all those surveyed and Glanworth winning the award for the Best Improver Village.