Bantry has won Ireland’s ‘Best Kept Small Town Award’ and also scooped the ‘Overall Winner’ at ‘Irelands Best Kept Towns Awards’ at Farmleigh House, Dublin.
The competition, run by the Northern Irelands Amenity Council and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, seeks to recognise Towns that have worked to improve themselves throughout Ireland. Entrants are marked on cleanliness, the outward appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilities, and the natural environment.
Bantry’s success in this competition is built on the hard work and commitment of the people of Bantry, Bantry Tidy Towns, and significant investment and works in Bantry by Cork County Council.
Following from the successful resurfacing and footpath works at William Street in 2017, further works were carried out at Chapel Street in 2018. Main Street, High Street, and Barrack Street are to be resurfaced over the next three years and Parade Field, a cul de sac off Chapel Street, is to be upgraded later this year.
Cork County Council has planned an expenditure of over €286k for 2019 in Bantry’s Main Street for works on footpaths, restoration and improvement works. This continues from a total spend of over €445k in 2018 in Bantry which addressed street cleaning, footpath works, maintenance of open spaces, resurfacing works, and works on the approaches to the town.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan noted:
“Bantry is a very deserving town for these prestigious awards. It is a place of great natural and cultural heritage and this is maintained excellently by a strong community. It’s the people of Bantry who guarantee that The Council’s investment here is well spent. Bantry Tidy Towns deserve special congratulations. Their work has ensured Bantry is getting the recognition it deserves as one of Irelands Best Kept Towns.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey added:
“Bantry is a very important town for County, from the perspective of business, tourism and development. The infrastructure of Bantry town has vastly improved over the last few years and the Best Kept Town Awards recognise this. Cork County Council will continue our high level of commitment to the enhancement of Bantry.”
