Dungannon is the World's Most Livable Community
Publish Date: Tuesday, 14 November 2006
At the 2006 International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) in Hangzhou, China, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council today scooped 1st prize and a gold award in the Most Liveable Community section. This globally renowned competition has entries from all over the world, with Dungannon facing stiff opposition from Ucleulet, Canada, Muskiz, Spain, Clonakilty, Ireland, Aylsham, England, Tyri, Estonia and St Walburg, Canada.
This is the second year in a row that Council has collected this accolade which demonstrates its outstanding commitment to community involvement, sustainability and heritage management etc.
Mayor Cllr Jim Hamilton believes the award reflects the commitment of Council "I am delighted that Dungannon has been awarded the title of Most Liveable Community in the World and congratulate the team who put together the competition entry. I am particularly pleased at the gold award for environmental sustainability has been recognised in respect of Craig's Bog. With other Councillors I have been campaigning for this former dumping ground to be turned into an environmentally friendly area suitable for public access and education point. I would commend the work of the Local Agenda 21 team and the Technical Services department for their major improvements on this site, and the award that they have won for this area."
Speaking of the award, Chief Executive John Campbell stated:
"This is a fantastic award for the community of Dungannon and South Tyrone. To have won this accolade and to be announced as the most liveable community for the second year in a row demonstrates how hard the Council works in a co-ordinated way. I would like to pay tribute to all the employees for their hard work in making this possible."
Commenting on the success, Councillor Francis Molloy, who attended the awards ceremony in China said it was a great achievement to not only win the LivCom award for the second year but to collect two gold certificates as well. He offered his congratulations to the workforce as it is them who make it all possible. Councillor Molloy also believes that this places Dungannon as the lead Council in Tyrone.
Mr Bertie McMinn, Director of Technical Services commented in particular on the Craig's Bog submission, stating that he was delighted to achieve a gold award for this sustainable project.
For more information on the International Awards for Liveable Communities, please log on to www.livcomawards.com
