Dunphy Public Relations

County Clare, IRELAND, Tuesday November 21^st 2006 – Ballynacally Development Association was named overall winner of the annual ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition at the 2006 Community Environmental Awards ceremony held in the Templegate Hotel, Ennis last night.   Dozens of other community groups across Clare were also acknowledged and rewarded by Clare County Council in a ceremony that included a Community Award, a National Award, and an Industry and Commerce Award.
 
The concept of promoting community involvement in the improvement and enhancement of the local environment has been developed and strengthened over the years by Clare County Council.  One of the objectives of Clare County Council’s recently adopted Litter Management Plan 2006–2009 is to continue to work in partnership and co-operation with local voluntary and community groups, business, schools, residents associations, Gardaí and the citizens of County Clare in order to obtain a litter free environment.  The ‘Clare in Bloom’ competition, which this year attracted over 25 entries, is a motivational mechanism for the many small local based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their settlements by means of flower, tree and shrub planting.  Judging, which takes place from mid-July to mid-August, considers such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriateness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter.  Categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of EUR1100, EUR550 EUR300 respectively. 
 
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Flan Garvey last night named Ballynacally Development Association as the overall award winner of this year’s ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition for achieving the highest marks in the competition.  Category one was won by Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, which finished ahead of Obair Newmarket on Fergus (2^nd) and Scariff Community Council (3^rd).  Tuamgraney Development Association, meanwhile, was named the winner of Category two.  The East Clare community group achieved higher marks than second-placed Kilmihil Tidy Towns and third-placed Quin Development Association.  Category three was won by Ballynacally Development Association, which beat off competition from Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns in second and Kilmurry McMahon in third place.
 
A Special Endeavour Award went to Quin for the overall appearance of the village and especially the floral displays on the bridge.  The Mayor’s Award as well as a cheque for EUR1500 was presented to Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns.  Mayor Garvey acknowledged that Ballyvaughan, as a gateway to the Burren, showed great use of colour and initiative throughout the town with all approach roads in bloom.
 
Special merit awards were presented to community groups in Lisdoonvarna, Shannon, Mountshannon, O’Briensbridge, Labasheeda, Kildysart, Killanena, Spanish Point, Feakle, Scariff, Kilkishen, Miltown Malbay, Ballyvaughan and Parteen.  The Best Public Seat Award, meanwhile, was awarded to Ballyea (1^st) after it finished ahead of Ballynacally (2^nd) and Tulla (3^rd).   Other award recipients at the 2006 Community Environmental Awards included the Shannon Tidy Towns Committee (Community Award), West Clare Railway (Industry and Commerce Award) and Dr. Peter Harbison (National Award).
 
Addressing those in attendance at last night’s awards ceremony, Mayor Flan Garvey said, “Without you, the Council’s environment campaign would not exist and the county would be missing out on the care, pride and colour that is so evident from your efforts.  Clare County Council hopes to continue to enjoy a positive and co-operative working relationship with local groups.  By working together, there is a greater chance of success in protecting the environment.”
 
According to Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of the Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Protection Strategic Policy Committee, “Community groups the length and breadth of Clare are doing excellent work to improve the environment around us.  I would encourage more groups to get involved with the Tidy Towns competition, in which we have been performing exceptionally well in during recent years.  Information on how to register for the national competition is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council.”
 
Betty Devanny, Administrative Officer with Clare County Council acknowledged the generous contributions received from the sponsors of the awards.  “I would like to thank ESB Moneypoint, Roche Ireland and Shannon Development whose continuing support enables Clare County Council to award more prizes”, Ms. Devanny stated.
 
For more on the ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition log on to www.clare.ie/Environment/clareinbloom.html.
 
-ENDS-
 
Notes to Editors:
-          For further information please contact Betty Devanny, Clare County Council on 065 6846387 or bdevanny@clarecoco.ie
-          To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or email media@dunphypr.com