John Grenham 30 Jul 2012001
Limerick Towns And Villages In Full Bloom
Limerick County Council has announced that the judging stage of the fifth annual Limerick In Bloom competition takes place from 17-19 July.
In spite of the poor weather conditions of recent weeks, the visual appearance of 44 County Limerick towns and villages has been transformed through the work of local community groups.
Limerick County Council, in conjunction with the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, have hosted the competition since 2008 as 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.
The overall winners of Limerick in Bloom last year were Glin Homes for the Elderly. Competition categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category. Category 1 features villages with a population less than 300, Category 2 is for population centres of between 300 and 700 people, Category 3 caters for towns and villages with a population in excess of 700 and Category 4 includes Housing Estates and Community Areas.
Limerick County Council has praised participating towns and villages for their efforts, in spite of the recent, inclement weather conditions.
According to Councillor Francis Foley, Chair of the Social, Cultural and Community Development SPC: "On travelling throughout County Limerick, it is clear that a huge effort has been put in by individuals and groups in the participating towns and villages to enhance the visual appearance of their local communities. This considerable effort is complemented by the fact that the high level of participation in the competition in recent years has been sustained. Full credit must go to the respective communities for the pride they have shown in further enhancing the physical appearance of their towns and villages."
Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, Community and Enterprise, said the involvement in the competition of so many communities was testament to the strong volunteer ethos and pride of place that exists in the County.
She continued: "The Limerick In Bloom concept has further been enhanced through the considerable involvement of community groups, tidy towns committees, residents associations and local businesses in the 'Limerick in Bloom Competition', since its inception in 2008."
"Now in its fifth year, Limerick In Bloom has developed into a wonderful mechanism for further enhancing the appearance of our towns and villages. While the competitive element of the competition does provide an added incentive to participants, it is clear that the people of this County are strongly committed to making their towns and villages more attractive to visit, live in and work in. Limerick County Council, with the support of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, is delighted to have played its part in this process," Ms. Cotter Coughlan added.
The Limerick In Bloom judging panel includes Mr. Eamonn De Stafort, who is a member of the International Entente Florale Jury.
Further information relating to 'Limerick In Bloom' is available from the Community and Enterprise section of Limerick County Council on 061-496454.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
