15/06/2006 -

Sligo Pride of Place Competition 2006

The Pride of Place Awards Initiative is a competition organised by Co-Operation Ireland to recognise improvements made by local communities to create civic pride in their area.

Co-operation Ireland through their Local Authority Programme has brought Local Authorities together on a cross-border basis for over 10 years. Since 2002, this networking has been co-ordinated through an All-Island Steering Forum of which County Manager Hubert Kearns is a member. One of the steering forums sub committees is the Community and Leisure Sub-Committee which has developed the Pride of Place initiative. The emphasis of this initiative is on involving the community in rural and urban regeneration and generating a sense of community pride around these achievements. It is about specific pride initiatives which will have long lasting and positive impacts; including clearing of litter/graffiti, and improving shop fronts; to the development of community centres, promotion of heritage and tackling social exclusion issues. The competition also promotes cross-border co-operation as well as motivating and rewarding community groups, residents associations and individuals who take positive steps to enhance the area in which they live.

The development and promotion of civic pride is enshrined in the 10 year strategy adopted by the Sligo County Development Board; which is a ready illustration of the significance of this initiative.

Nine applications were received for the Sligo Pride of Place Competition 2006 from community groups throughout the county. The applicants were:

• Aclare Development Council Ltd
• Ballymote Community & Enterprise Ltd
• Banada Development Agency Ltd 
• Cranmore Community Platform
• Cranmore Youth Association
• Coolaney Development Company
• Enniscrone Community Council
• Easkey Community Council
• Killavil Development Group

One entry per population can be nominated by the Local Authorities to enter the All Ireland Competition. The population categories that Sligo is eligible to compete in are:-

• Category 1 population up to 500
• Category 2 population between 501 and 1,000
• Category 3 between 1,001 and 2,000
• Category 4 between 2001 and 10,000
• Single Issue Entrant

The presentation of the Sligo Pride of Place awards took place in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside on Tuesday 16th May 2006. All groups were represented at the event and each entrant received a Certificate and a cash award in recognition of their on-going civic pride work; these were presented by Cathaoirleach Councillor Patsy Barry and Mayor Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady.

The winners in each category were:
 
Category 1 population up to 500 - Aclare Development Council Ltd
This group was formed in 1980 and have worked on the various projects to enhance the village and surrounding areas, to promote economic development so as to make the area a better place for all its residents. Their project involves the implementation of their recently launched strategy – a Vision for Aclare 2010; the development of an all weather sports facility and further village enhancement and the development of riverside walks.
 
 
Category 2 population between 501 and 1,000 - Coolaney Development Company
This group aim to serve the economic and cultural welfare of the area by leading and facilitating the development of local infrastructure and amenities, provide a voice for residents living in the community with the ultimate aim of maintaining a high standard of living through village enhancement. Current projects include the development of play facilities in the area, working in partnership with the Council on the Urban and Village Renewal Programme and the continuation of Phase II of the construction of Community Park
 
 
Category 3 between 1,001 and 2,000 - Enniscrone Community Council
This group was formed in 1985 with the goal of improving the aesthetic, economic and social condition of the village thereby improving the quality of life of people living in Enniscrone. They are heavily involved in a number of projects in the area including the construction of a 6,000 sq ft Enterprise Centre for SME’s to attract new industry to the region and the second is the refurbishment of the Waterpoint Leisure facility further strengthening the tourism potential of the area. 
 
 
Category 4 between 2001 and 10,000 - Cranmore Community Platform
This group was established to provide a voice for the residents living in Cranmore, to communicate information, ideas and propose solutions to any problems arising in the community. They are involved in a wide range of projects including providing assistance to Youth groups in the area, publication of a Cranmore Community Newsletter, organising social event for the community and providing funding for local tidy towns competition.
 
 
A new category was introduced by Co-operation Ireland this year – Single Issue Entrant, the theme of this entry was quite broad and could be very diverse anything from a heritage project to a childcare facility but it must be developed in an innovative and participative manner by the local community – this year the local judges were very impressed with one particular group that have focused their efforts and resources in enhancing the quality of life, equality of opportunity and promote full community participation in a unique way. The winner in this category was Easkey Community Council.

Judging for the National All-Ireland Pride of Place Competition will take place on 3rd and 4th July and we wish the local category winners every success in this event.