Westport continued its winning streak this week as it was named Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards for 2012, at an awards ceremony which was held in Dublin on Monday. Westport was just one point behind the winner of the Tidiest Town in Ireland for 2012, which was awarded to Abbeyshrule.
On hand to present the prizes were Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has congratulated Westport: “This award is richly deserved following the endless work and dedication involved in keeping Westport tidy. I wish to take this opportunity to highly commend the chairperson of Westport Tidy Towns, Frank Dolan, the committee itself, and the large number of volunteers. I also want to compliment Mr Martin Keating, director of services, the indoor and outdoor staff of Westport Town Council, FÁS and Mayo County Council.
Minister Ring said: “The people of Westport take huge pride in the appearance of the town and it is wonderful to see their work in this regard being rewarded.”
Westport was also named the county and regional winner, and retained its gold medal. Westport was one of 10 towns to win a tourism town award of €1,000 each. There was a silver medal award for Belmullet, and Castlebar and Murrisk both received bronze medals.
In the county awards, Westport came out on top, while Murrisk was highly commended and Belmullet was commended. Bonniconlon won an endeavour award.
