Cork wins City Neighbourhood of the Year

The South Mall in Cork has been named the City Neighbourhood of the Year.

It is the first year of the awards, which it is hoped will emulate the success of the tidy towns in rural areas.

Bushy Park in Galway took the award for Best Urban Village, while Willow Park in Finglas, Dublin walked away with Best Residential Area.

John Macken, chairman of Cork City Challenge, says even though it has taken the top award, the South Mall is due for further renewal before 2005, when the city is the European Capital of Culture.