Home News Community Two Laois parks powering a green wave as they hoist their Green...

Two Laois parks powering a green wave as they hoist their Green Flag awards

pictured at the 2019 Green Flag Awards in Maynooth University, Co.Kildare on 17 July 2019. Photo: Brian Reilly-Troy

Two Laois parks have picked up awards at the Green Flag Award for Parks.

Páirc an Phobail Portlaoise and the Peoples’ Park, Portarlington, were rewarded for exceeding tough environmental standards in green space management, and excellence of visitor attractions.

The Green Flag Award for Parks is the mark of a quality park or green space and is recognised throughout the world.

The 2019 awards were available to public town parks, country parks, gardens, cemeteries, and green spaces from across the whole country.

Just 60 of Ireland’s parks and gardens were lucky enough to receive Green Flags this year.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring commented that “The award recognises the effort of communities and volunteers and that is what makes it so special.

“As my Department promotes rural and community development, supporting community level projects like community gardens improves the facilities and attractiveness of these communities.”

The Green Flag Awards are judged every year by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, and community involvement.

This is a huge achievement for Laois.

Ann Marie Maher, Sport & Leisure Officer, Laois County Council, and Maeve Flynn, Horticulturist, Laois County Council, pictured at the 2019 Green Flag Awards in Maynooth University, Co.Kildare on 17 July 2019. Photo: Brian Reilly-Troy

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