Dungannon - World Leaders in Environmental Enhancement
Publish Date: Thursday, 10 November 2005
Dungannon;
Community Enhancement Champions of the World
Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council has scooped first prize at an International Awards Ceremony for ‘Liveable Communities’ in Spain. The award, which is sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, recognizes towns from across the world that focus on environmental management and the creation of liveable places.
Dungannon overcame significant competition from international communities including Amal, Sweden; Whistler, Canada; Tasmania, Australia; Tesetice, Czech Republic; Cuellar, Spain; Derwent Valley, Okotoks, Canada, Aylsham, England; Clonakilty, Ireland; and Trim, Ireland.
Three members of staff, including Chief Executive John Campbell and Director of Technical Services Bertie McMinn accompanied Mayor Francis Molloy to the awards ceremony. Mayor Molloy was thrilled that Dungannon came out on top in the category for towns with a population of 20,000:
“Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, whilst recognising its statutory responsibilities, has stepped outside the boundaries to improve the quality of life for residents of our Borough. With a dynamic strategic management team working in partnership across departments, the Council has sought to meet its service obligations with a customer orientated approach. This joined up approach has been the key to our success in winning this award. ”
The application was triggered by Dungannon’s recent high profile successes in international floral competitions - but that’s not the only reason, says Council Chief Executive John Campbell:
“Simple but practical improvements on areas across the town were welcomed, from the removal of graffiti and fly posting, to walls now adorned by murals painted by the local school children. An innovative idea was pioneered in Dungannon town whereby a grille system was placed on bus shelters, junction boxes etc to prevent illegal fly posting. Clean up campaigns were arranged in association with local community groups and many other planned initiatives were implemented. ”
Bertie McMinn, Council’s Director of Technical Services said:
“I am absolutely thrilled with this award as it sets Dungannon on the international stage as a leader in environmental enhancement. The judges remarked specifically on the innovative plant watering system employed by Dungannon Council and how we are dealing with reducing the potential risk of pollution from former landfill sites.”
An international judging panel comprising the worlds leading environmental experts assessed each entry on enhancement of their landscape, heritage management, environmental sensitive practices, community involvement and planning for the future.
The Awards Ceremony was broadcast live online and can be viewed at www.coruna.es/livcom2005. Further information on the International Liveable Communities Awards can be found online at www.livcomawards.com.
