Aughrim and Kilkenny win major environmental awards

Aughrim, Co Wicklow and Kilkenny city have won major awards in the Entente Florale Europe competition.

At a ceremony in Germany on Friday Aughrim received a gold medal award. The village also received a special award for the provision of an angling lake suitable for those with disabilities. Kilkenny city won a silver medal award.

The competition judges cities and towns in relation to their floral displays, environmental management and management of parks and green spaces.

The jury praised the involvement of the community in Aughrim and noted "the sustainable nature of much of the development in the village, especially where indigenous granite and materials were used".

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said: "It is heart-warming to note that our towns and villages, through their commitment, voluntary hard work, and increased sensitivity to ecology and the environment in general, can be ranked among the best in Europe."