This article is from page 18 of the 2013-09-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
TRIBUTES were paid to the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee as the county town was named Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre for the fifth time in the 55-year history of the National Tidy Towns Competition.
Ennis, which finished joint third place overall, was just two points behind the overall winner – Moynalty, County Meath.
The town, a previous over all winner, had previously won the Large Urban award in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2012.
The town also won the Midwest Regional Award and also retained the Clare County Award for the 15th successive year, while it has received its 13th Gold Medal in as many years.
Speaking following the awards ceremony, Mayor of Ennis Councillor Mary-Coote Ryan (FG) noted that Ennis successes were based on a collaborative approach adopted by community groups, schools, residents associations, businesses and state agencies, in partnership with Ennis Town Council.
“The year-round work that has been put in by the Tidy Towns Committee and the wider community has reaped dividends and Ennis has reaffirmed its status as one of the best performing Tidy Towns participants in the country. Today’s success is testament to the spirit of volunteerism and pride of place that exists in Ennis and as mayor I am honoured to have been present at today’s awards ceremony.”
A delighted chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns Committee, Áine Purcell, said, “These award successes mark the culmination of many months of hard work by local volunteers and members of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee to improve the appearance of the town and sur- rounding areas. The volunteers gave freely of their time throughout the summer months to enhance various public areas, to create and maintain flowerbeds, keep streets tidy, cut grass and pick up litter. Retaining the Gold Medal is a massive achievement for everybody concerned.”
Ennis town clerk Leonard Cleary, added, “Tidy Towns not only helps to make Ennis a more attractive place to live in and visit, but it also acts as a springboard for the local community and business sector to promote their town as a visitor destination. It is heartening to see that the standards were extremely high again this year, which is a tribute to everyone involved with the Ennis Tidy Towns effort.”