Blackwater are environmental winners

By Dan Walsh

Blackwater Tidy Towns were the overall winners at the Wexford County Council Annual Environment Awards under the banner ‘Keep Wexford Beautiful’ which were announced during a special environmental programme broadcast on South East Radio hosted by Alan McGuire.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, congratulated all the participants and went on to acknowledge the magnificent voluntary work that is carried out throughout the county. “It is heartening to see groups of local volunteers showing such spirit and endeavour and, in the process, inspiring others in their community to follow their example. The voluntary work undertaken makes a great contribution to improving our towns and villages, making them better places to live, work and visit,” she stated.

“The Environment Awards are about recognising and celebrating the inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the county. Wexford County Council is very lucky to have such vibrant, enthusiastic and positive minded people living in communities throughout the county who embrace key environmental messages and promote them extensively in their local areas,” she concluded.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council recognised the commitment and dedication of all committees and individuals who make such a real difference at a local level. She said; “Your dedication is an inspiration to communities everywhere and illustrates the real benefits of pulling together for the greater good of the place we call home’.

Alan McGuire read a citation about the winners. “Blackwater is a large and thriving village whose population expands a great deal during the summer months. This is not surprising considering its ideal seaside location in the sunny south-east,” he said, and added; “The unique character of Blackwater can be seen in its traditional buildings and architecture. It’s not surprising then that Blackwater Tidy Towns are again being recognised for their outstanding commitment to the local environment and the very high standards achieved as they continue to maintain and enhance their beautiful village. Congratulations to Blackwater Tidy Towns.”

Results 2021; 

CATEGORY: BEST OVERALL ENTRY    

Overall – Blackwater Tidy Towns

CATEGORY:  BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED HOUSING ESTATE. 1^st. Westwinds Residents Association, Kilrane. 2^nd, Portside Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr. Joint 3^rd. Greenore Park Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr, and Milehouse Residents Association, Enniscorthy. Highly Commended; Bernadette Place Residents Association, Wexford. Highly Commended; Cois Abhainn Residents Association, Blackwater.

CATEGORY: BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED TOWN/VILLAGE 1^st, Kiltealy Tidy Towns; 2^nd, Gorey Tidy Towns; Joint 3^rd, Ballyduff Development Group and Ferns Tidy Towns. Highly Commended; Clean Screen Team.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE 1^st, Croghan Barrack Community Project; 2^nd, Duncormick Area Action CLG; 3^rd, Clonroche Development Association. Highly Commended; Ladhra Residents Association, Blackwater.

CATEGORY: BEST HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PROJECT  1^st, Gorey Tidy Towns; Joint 2^nd; Barntown Heritage Group and Askamore/Muintir na Tire Community Project Ltd; 3^rd, Tomhaggard Pastoral Council. Highly Commended; Clonegal Tidy Village Committee, Highly Commended; St. Garvan’s Well – St. Garvan’s Church, Caroreigh.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY COASTAL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE  1st. Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group; 2^nd, Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns; 3^rd. Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Environment Group. Highly Commended; Curracloe Tidy Village.

CATEGORY: BEST NEW ENTRY  1^st. Wellingtonbridge Tidy Towns Group; Joint 2^nd; Ballyfad Tidy Towns and Carraig Dubh Residents, Blackwater. 3^rd, Ballymoney Kildermot Community Development Group. Highly Commended; Rathpierce Community Group and Kilrane Tidy Village Group.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO INFRASTRUCTURE  1^st, Our Lady’s Island Community Development.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROBE ACCESSIBILITY IN GARDENS/PARKS  1^st, Kiltealy Tidy Towns.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT THAT TACKLES AND REDUCES THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE 1^st, Seal Rescue Ireland, Courtown; 2^nd, Ferns Tidy Towns.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY BIODIVERSITY PROJECT 1^st, Monageer Parish Grotto Group; Joint 2^nd; Blackwater Junior Tidy Towns and Killanne Development Group; 3^rd, Ferns Tidy Towns. Highly Commended; Hollyfort Development Group.

CATEGORY:  BEST COMMUNITY WASTE PREVENTION/RE-USE PROJECT  1^st,Foulksmills Tidy Towns; 2^nd, Gorey Tidy Towns; 3^rd, Monageer Parish Grotto Group.