Competition keeps up appearances in Newmarket

This summer Obair Environmental Services introduced a new environmental competition for housing estates in the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus in an attempt to stimulate a greater awareness and appreciation of the local environment.

The competition focused on litter-free estates, general appearance of the area, the range of tree and shrub planting and an array of colour through flowerbeds and displays. The initiative generated great interest among the community, who took great pride in their area.
Flowers and shrubs were planted, grass cut, litter picked, areas maintained and gates and fences repaired and painted. The area underwent a make-up supplemented by an impressive fusion of colour when the flowers were in bloom.
When judgement day finally arrived, the top honours went to the residents of Kilnasoolagh Park, ahead of the Goodwood Estate on the Ballycar Road.
At last week’s awards ceremony Betty Devanny from the Environment Section of Clare County Council complimented the prizewinners for their voluntary effort in maintaining the estates and keeping the areas litter free.
“The concept of promoting community involvement in the improvement and enhancement of the local environment has been developed and strengthened over the years by Clare County Council.
“One of the objectives of the council’s ‘Litter Management Plan’ is to continue to work in partnership and co-operation with local voluntary and community groups, business, schools, residents associations, gardaí and the citizens of Clare in order to obtain a litter-free environment,” she said.
Equally enthusiastic about the merits of the initiative was Brendan McInerney, manager of Obair Environmental Services.
“This competition was introduced to acknowledge and reward the ongoing level of voluntary work undertaken in the community and to promote local awareness of the importance of taking pride in our village and help keep it litter free,” he said.
“The response to this year’s competition was positive and I encourage more housing estates to participate in next year’s competition. I wish to acknowledge the assistance of Clare County Council with this competition and the ongoing support on environmental issues over the years,” Mr McInerney added.
Obair Environmental Services, based in Newmarket, was established in 2002. It is run by a management company that is representative of local people and has a full-time manager. The company is responsible for areas of estate management, landscaping and light maintenance services.
It provides training opportunities to local people and also employment. Over the years it has helped to foster and develop a social economic enterprise culture.
All projects operated by Obair Environmental Services are for the benefit of the community and all impact positively on the community.
Projects provided include Meals on Wheels, the development and maintenance of the O’Regan Park in conjunction with Clare County Council, the placing of a sculpture in the village green to commemorate “Kathleen’s Weir” (Cora Chaithlin) and ongoing environmental improvements around the village.