Louth County Council has inaugurated a design and conservation awards scheme to encourage best practice and sensitive design in the built environment, to recognise the expertise of designers and to raise public awareness.

Awards are in eight categories: single houses in the countryside, single houses in a town or village, new housing estates, residential refurbishment and/or extensions, infill developments, conservation projects, commercial/industrial buildings and shopfronts. Entries will be assessed on their contribution to the quality of the built environment, quality of design and workmanship; overall impression, originality and innovation, and contribution to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The overall winner will receive the Peter Rice Award, commemorating the brilliant Dundalk-born engineer. Deadline is July 31st. tel: 0429353180; website:www.louthcoco.ie