Four Green Flags awarded to Louth
ST Dominic’s Park in Drogheda has retained its Green Flag award for the second year running.
The award is the benchmark international standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces and recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces around the world.
“Flags that are flying this year in Co Louth parks are testament to the efforts of many staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award,” says Elias Mlimbila of Louth County Council.
“The often-unseen hard work of many park staff over many years has provided Ireland with a wealth of treasured parks, gardens, and green spaces.”
This year the council managed to retain all four flags that had been awarded last year; St Dominic’s Park; Blackrock Park, St Helena Park, and Ice house Hill Park .
These parks were recently judged by the national panel of judges and achieved the awards.
The scheme originated from England and Wales and in Ireland is run by An Taisce -The National Trust of Ireland. In 2017 Louth County Council proudly achieved four Flags for its parks. Louth was the only county outside Dublin to achieve four flags.
“The council is proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in Louth for people to experience, and it encourages the public to head outdoors, explore and enjoy their local area,” adds Elias.
“Parks and green spaces are vitally important to the health and the emotional wellbeing of our communities.
“The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the very best green spaces.”
The awards scheme is judged by green space experts on horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, health and safety presentation of place, conservation, biodiversity and heritage, and community involvement.