Clare set to bloom

TIDY Towns committees and community development groups across Clare have been invited to compete in the 2011 Clare in Bloom competition.

Clare in Bloom, which continues to attract large entries every year, is a motivational mechanism for many locally based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their settlements by means of flower, tree and shrub planting.
The annual competition is promoted by Clare County Council and offers a prize fund. Sponsorship is provided by Shannon Development, Roche Ireland and ESB Moneypoint, with matching funding from Clare County Council.
The criteria for this year’s competition will be based on landscaping – range of planting-colour, waste prevention, minimisation and litter control, community involvement, energy initiatives and overall impression.
Judging will take place from mid-June to mid-August.
The competition is based on three population categories: Category 1 caters for towns and villages with a population in excess of 700, Category 2 is for population centres of between 300 and 700 people and Category 3 features villages with a population less than 300.
Tuamgraney scooped the overall award last year while Kilrush Tidy Towns, Kildysart Tidy Towns and Bridgetown Tidy Towns won their respective categories. Special endeavour awards went to Shannon Tidy Towns, Meitheal Doora, Kilmurry McMahon Community Group, Killanena Action Group and Carrigaholt Tidy Towns. The Mayor’s Environmental Award, together with perpetual trophy for 2010, was awarded to Ballynacally Development Association.
Commenting on the competition, Mayor of Clare Councillor Christy Curtin said it was great to reward community groups for their work in their neighbourhoods, towns and villages.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of the Housing, Social and Cultural Services Strategic Policy Committee, said the council was delighted with the excellent standards achieved.
Communities and groups interested in participating in the 2011 Clare in Bloom competition can access application forms from the Clare County Council’s Housing, Social and Cultural Services Section at 065 6846550 or www.clarecoco.ie.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm on Tuesday, May 31.