Volunteers and groups recognised by council
LOCAL groups and volunteers were rewarded for their efforts to improve their communities at the annual Wicklow County Council Tidy Towns, Estates and Environmental Awards.
The awards were held in County Buildings and presided over by Wicklow County Council Chief Executive Frank Curran and council Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Vance.
Aughrim was recognised for achieving County Wicklow’s highest score in the 2018 Tidy Town Competition, while Hollywood received an endeavour award for earning the biggest increase in marks in the national competition.
Aughrim, Hollywood and Blessington were the winners in the Main Street competition while Burnaby Lawns in Greystones and Ashton in Blessington both picked up awards for best maintained estates.
Three schools were presented with awards for environmental projects and campaigns. Glenart College was recognised for its efforts in tackling single use plastics through its campaign to cut down on plastic bottles by providing water fountains and giving each first year student a reusable bottle. Brittas Bay NS picked up a Coastcare Award for its project on Brittas Bay and Enereilly beaches. St Laurence NS, Greystones, won the overall schools award for its work on the marine environment and projects and artwork made from reused plastics.
Hollywood Tidy Towns collected the award for communal gardening for its efforts in the village, which include an allotment developed as a demonstration plot for the community.
Arklow Coastcare picked up the Coast Care award for installing new signage and working closely with all the training centres in the town.
Newtownmountkennedy won the waste minimisation award for their networking seminar on sustainable resource use to mark European Week for Waste Reduction.
Knockananna Tidy Towns were recognised for their efforts to save and renovate the historic forge building located in the heart of the village.
The Avon Ri resort won the business award following nomination by Blessington Tidy Towns for their work to eliminate single use plastics, including straws and condiment sachets, and tackling food waste by changing purchasing procedures.
Blessington Tidy Towns was awarded for their new digitalized heritage walk and work to have equipment installed on the Blessington Lakes Greenway.
The Baltynamina PURE mile won the wildlife and natural amenities award for its website and signage which showcases the wealth of local biodiversity.
Finally, Arklow Tidy Towns won the landscaping award for works to renovate the Ormonde Castle, the bandstand and Main Street car park and their work to develop the River Walk.