Carrick on Shannon wins EU environment award

Carrick on Shannon in Co Leitrim won European recognition when it was awarded a gold medal at the 2010 Entente Florale Awards in Cervia in Italy over the weekend.

The village of Emly in Co Tipperary won a Silver Medal Award at the competition.

Established 25 years ago, Entente Florale Europe is a European competition for towns and villages. Twelve European countries participated in the competition.

The aim of Entente Florale is the improvement of the quality of life for local, urban and village communities.

Carrick on Shannon saw of stiff competition from across Europe to be recognized as gold standard within the town section along with Stockton-On-Tees (UK), Westerstede (Germany) and Vlaardingen (The Netherlands).

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley said: “Both the town of Carrick on Shannon and the village of Emly should be immensely proud of their achievement.

“This is the first time that both centres entered the competition and to win a gold and silver medal is remarkable.”