Further recognition as Fingal receives Green Flag Awards

Fingal County Council has welcomed the news that as well as maintaining the much-coveted Green Flag Award at six locations across Fingal, the hard work undertaken at Santry Community Garden has also been recognised after picking up a Community Award.

Green Flag Awards are the benchmark international standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces around the world. This year, around 2,300 public sites in 16 countries achieved Green Flag or Green Flag Community Award status.

Those Fingal sites to retain Green Flag status in 2021 are: Ardgillan Demesne, Malahide Demesne, Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Newbridge House and Farm, Santry Demesne and St Catherine’s Park.

In addition to Santry Community Garden, The Rock Garden in Swords also received a Community Award, the second year in a row it has managed to achieve the accolade. These Awards are acknowledgment of the efforts made by local community groups to improve a community green space.

Raising a Green Flag at Malahide Castle, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien thanked park staff and community volunteers for their hard work in securing the awards.

“Since 2018 the Department of Rural and Community Development has supported An Taisce with the expansion of the Green Flag into our community run spaces. By doing this we have been able to leverage the Green Flag Award values and standards for the benefit of our communities and their voluntary work.”

Praising the achievements, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Fingal has received increased recognition for the number of locations that manage to exceed tough environmental standards in green space management, and excellence of visitor attractions.

“To now have eight sites is a really great reflection on our communities and all the work that is going on between Council and volunteer groups who are such a key part of ensuring these green spaces are accessible to all and that they can continue to provide the great benefit that comes with spending time in quality outdoor environments.”

Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent at Fingal County Council said: “I would like to congratulate all our Green Flag recipients. Being able to meet the high standards demanded by the scheme is a real achievement and is testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers to create outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.”

Every year, the Green Flag Awards are judged by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. Public town parks, country parks, gardens, cemeteries, nature parks and green spaces are all eligible for the award.

To learn more about open spaces in Fingal go to: https://www.fingal.ie/trips/find-heritage-property-park-or-open-space

Image: Santry Community Gardens, located within Santry Demesne