Downs Estate cleans up in tidy awards

SANDYFORD’S Downs Estate has been named as the tidiest district in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.

The winning estate was commended for its pristine condition, its high standard of maintenance and for the attractiveness of its open space areas and community spirit.

The best new entry to this year’s competition came from Wyattville Residents’ Association.

The most improved estate was judged to be Ardagh in Blackrock and best presented town/village went to Stepaside Residents’ Association.

Twenty other community groups from around the county received special awards for community environmental initiative.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Trevor Matthews (FF), presented Sandyford Downs Residents’ Association with a perpetual trophy at an awards ceremony in the County Hall Dun Laoghaire, last week.

Cllr Matthews said that the tidy districts competition promotes good community spirit and an awareness of environmental issues at a local level.

The awards ceremony also acknowledged businesses which participated in improving their local environment during the year.

The best business environment initiative award went to Maxol on Ballinteer Avenue, for its contribution to the local community in providing newspaper and magazine recycling facilities for public use.

Best example of waste management was won by Spar, Clonskeagh, for their achievements in waste reduction and recycling.

Other winners include PD Woodhouse in Dalkey for best restaurant front, Sean McManus Ltd in Dun Laoghaire for best shop front, and The Playwright for best pub front.

Also announced last week were the winners of the 2003 Tidy Schools Competition. The five award winning primary schools were Queen of Angels, Sandyford, Muslim National School, Clonskeagh, Kilternan Church Of Ireland, St Raphaela’s Primary, Stillorgan and Scoil Lorcáin, Monkstown.

The winners of the Anti-Litter Logo competition were also announced. At secondary level first prize went to Maria Gonzalez from Notre Dame des Missions, Churchtown. Second prize was awarded to Lara McManus, Loreto Abbey, Churchtown and third went to Olivia Molloy, Notre Dame des Missions, Churchtown.

The first prize winner at primary level was Laura Greene of Taney NS, Dundrum. Second prize went to Naomi Coyle, Taney NS, Dundrum and Pamela Morgan, St Joseph of Cluny, Killiney won third prize.