Hunt is on for Golden Mile nominees

Entrants are being sought for this year’s Golden Mile of Galway competition, the countryside equivalent of the Tidy Towns competition.

The Golden Mile of Galway – Slí Dúlra na Gaillimhe, is a heritage and environmental initiative designed to encourage people living on rural roads to become more aware of the natural and built heritage along their roadsides and, where necessary, to take ­appropriate action to manage the valuable resource.
The project was started in 2000 and so far there have been Golden Mile initiatives in Kerry, Cavan, Mayo, Limerick, Leitrim and Roscommon.
“This project is very supportive of our rural heritage and the tourism industry as it assists in creating an awareness and understanding of our traditional rural roadscapes,” said Marie Mannion, heritage officer, Galway County Council.
The council is encouraging community groups and groups of residences to enter a mile stretch of local primary, local secondary or local tertiary road outside the 50km zone.
“The Golden Mile concept will provide a meaningful way for communities to contribute to the enhancement of their environment, adding to the quality of life of local residents,” Ms Mannion added.
Galway County Council, Galway Rural Development Company, Comhar na nOileán, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Forum Connemara and Galway County Heritage Forum, with the support of the farming organizations and the local community, are undertaking this initiative.
The mile does not have to be a straight stretch of road and can go straight through a crossroads or turn right or left at a cross roads. As well as an overall award of a perpetual trophy, there will be awards for best potential, natural heritage, built heritage, road safety and best community effort and litter management.
For more information, call Marie on 091 509198 email mmannion@galwaycoco.ie or contact Frank Keane, rural resource officer, Galway Rural Development, Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway by phone on 091 844335 or email fkeane@grd.ie.