News Release -
Shannon Region scoops 23 Awards in National Tidy Towns Competition
Inspirational work of Tidy Towns’ committees commended
The inspirational work of Tidy Town’s Committees throughout the Shannon Region in enhancing the environment was applauded today (Monday 1st November 2010), at the Shannon Region Tidy Towns award presentation ceremony held in Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare.
A range of Tidy Towns Awards were presented to the Committees by Mr Peter Power TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Leonard Fay, Regional Manager, SuperValu - the overall competition sponsor, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive Shannon Development. The Competition is organised nationally by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is co-ordinated in the Shannon Region by Shannon Development, the regional tourism authority for the Shannon Region.
In congratulating everyone involved, the Minister said, “The Mid-West Region has once again recorded significant achievements in this year’s competition. While we recognise the performance of all participants, I have to especially congratulate Ennis for continuing to set the standard for the region. I think you’ll all agree that the consistent performance of Ennis in this competition has been remarkable.”
In all, the Shannon Region won 23 Tidy Towns Awards with Ennis Co. Clare once again winning the overall Shannon Region Tidy Towns Award. New to the Tidy Town’s Competition this year is the Smarter Travel Award for communities who have facilitated or implemented environmentally-friendly or healthy, smarter travel options. This year’s Smarter Travel Award was also scooped by Ennis in Co. Clare.
The annual Awards ceremony is organised by Shannon Development, who administer and promote the National Tidy Towns Competition in the Shannon Region.
Commending the commitment of all Shannon Region Tidy Towns Committees Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said, “The tremendous success of the Tidy Towns Competition illustrates what can be achieved when people work together to enhance the attractiveness of their communities. Tidy Towns has grown into a competition which has delivered positive economic benefits in a range of areas from industry and environment, to tourism and fostering community spirit. This year’s event attracted over 120 entrants from all over the Region which demonstrates the huge interest and pride of place people have in their local communities.”
Speaking at the Awards ceremony Leonard Fay, Regional Manager, SuperValu, said; “Tidy Towns is the public expression of the work countless individuals undertake to build community spirit and make their local area an even better place to live. SuperValu together with its countrywide network of local retailers is - through our continued sponsorship of Tidy Towns - committed to helping build and support vibrant local communities. I am delighted to congratulate this year’s winners in the Mid West region and publicly acknowledge their achievements. Their commitment, dedication and community spirit is what makes Tidy Towns such a success.”
The Shannon Development Tidy Towns ‘Personality Award’, always a closely guarded secret until the Awards ceremony, was unveiled at the event by John Quinlivan, Shannon Development’s Visitor Services Manager, who was the MC for the Awards ceremony. This special annual Award was instigated in 2000 by Shannon Development to acknowledge long-service and commitment by an individual working voluntarily for the benefit of their community.
This year Shannon Development Tidy Towns Personality Award was awarded to Rita Higgins of Sixmilebridge in Co Clare. Rita received the award for her tremendous contribution over the years to the success of Sixmilebridge in the Tidy Towns Competition. Speaking about the award, Mr. Quinlivan said, “Rita Higgins is a wonderful role model for Tidy Town’s volunteers throughout the country and her commitment to the ethos of Tidy Towns has been superb.”
Tidy Towns Committee members attending the Awards function received a pleasant surprise when they were presented with a sapling tree, kindly sponsored by Coillte.
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For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan, Corporate Communications Manager,
Shannon Development
Tel: 00353 61 710259. Mobile: 086-2371510
Email: osullivanna@shannondevelopment.ie
End
For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
E-mail: Click Here