Controversial marina clinches 'Town Oscar'

A controversial €300m marina on the Irish Sea has been honoured ahead of a town based on ancient Chinese feng shui and an Australian outback community run entirely by volunteers.

Greystones, Co Wicklow, left bitterly divided by the harbour development, won a gold medal at a special international awards ceremony in China – widely regarded as the Oscars of towns.

Judges ranked it ahead of China’s Guanda, a town built on the Feng Shui lifestyle, Trafalgar in the Australian farming belt run entirely by volunteers and Canadian province Saskatchewan, where recycling raises money for milk and baby formula.

Judges praised the ongoing €300m transformation of the Victorian harbour which split the local community since first mooted in 1997.

The redevelopment will continue for at least another six years.

Town mayor George Jones, who travelled to the Dongguan region close to Hong Kong for the awards, said he was delighted to accept the award of behalf of the town.

“It’s a very proud day for Greystones because this competition is adjudicated by independent judges and not our own people,” he said.

“They were amazed that such a small town could undertake a major project like this.”

Greystones joins other Irish winners at the competition including Clonakilty, Co Cork, Ballyfermot in Dublin and Castleblaney, Co Monaghan.

The once bustling fishing village was one of just 50 places across the globe to make it to the finals of the prestigious awards in China.

“People were concerned because of all the new development but the town really has come together in the last couple of years,” the Mayor said.

“We’re just honoured and delighted by the whole thing. It’s a great occasion.”

With a population of 17,000, Greystones came first in its category for cities up to 20,000 people.

Endorsed by the United Nations, the International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) look at communities doing the most to address issues ranging from pollution and conservation to poor housing.

Thousands of locals objected to the public private partnership development of Greystones, mainly on the grounds that the large scale plans were not suited to a town of its size.

An Bord Pleanala approved the project last year, which includes a 230-berth marina along with a public square, new clubhouses, apartments and shops.

The town also scored well on its numerous recreational facilities, including a new swimming pool, running track and all-weather sports pitch.

Mr Jones was joined on the trip by town manager Sean Quirke and former mayor Grainne McLoughlin, who prepared the entry.

The trio delivered their presentation, which included a five minute film of the town, to judges on Friday.

“We have great facilities in the town and also groups like the first responders and Greystones Cancer Support Centre are fantastic,” said Mr Jones.

“We’re amazed we did so well because we didn’t even expect to make it to the finals.”