Mountview village was honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday evening in Dublin (January 21). The town took top spot in the ‘Urban Neighbourhood’ category, edging out Whiteabbey, County Antrim, and Lisnamult, County Roscommon. Judges praised the community spirit amongst the residents.
“The residents work extremely hard to maximise the value they get from the facilities that are available. They made a very positive and enthusiastic presentation to the judges who were very impressed by what they have achieved to date and their plans for the future.”
The awards were hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan and took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role.
“The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said, “It is 20 amazing years since the very first awards ceremony and the ethos of the awards has never changed. It continues to be about acknowledging and recognising in a meaningful manner the important caring work of all our communities as they continue their daily journey of making the path of life easier for all.”
Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland said, “Co-operation Ireland has no other programme that embodies the charity’s ethos better than Pride of Place.
“We work to build relationships across the island and Pride of Place plays a critical role in that work. The impact the awards have had in towns and villages across the island since they started 20 years ago cannot be underestimated, and the continuing success of the awards is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.
George Jones Chairman, IPB Insurance said, “On behalf of our local authority members we are proud to be associated with the Pride of Place awards as title sponsors. This competition provides a fitting platform to recognise the great strides volunteers across the island of Ireland are making in building more sustainable and liveable communities.”
Our Rural Future – New €50 million Community Recognition Fund
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, have set out the details of the €50 million Community Recognition Fund.
This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:
- The refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities
- The upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens
- The purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations
- The enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters.
The €50 million has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there.
The funding will be drawn down over 2023 and 2024.
Projects will be delivered by the local authorities in conjunction with community organisations.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.
The deadline for applications is the 15th March 2023.
Download the scheme outline and funding proposal form document below.
Castleland indoor Cricket Club returns
Castleland CC saw the return of their very successfully indoor cricket club over the weekend. Brian Dunphy, 14, who has been selected to play for Ireland under 17’s team attends the Centre’s weekly sessions, to both play and coach the youths of Balbriggan.
Ongar Garda property marking and blood donation clinics
