Southside parks pick up Green Flags

SOUTH Dublin County Council expressed their delight last week as it was announced that Sean Walsh Park had received the Green Flag Award.

This is the second Green Flag awarded in South Dublin County with Corkagh Park retaining its Green Flag for a second year.

The Green Flag is awarded in recognition of achieving quality standards for the presentation of parks and recreation facilities. The awards are marked on eight criteria, including horticulture standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. 

It promotes high horticultural and environmental standards and it is considered the benchmark for excellence in park management based on acknowledged international best practice.

Following the awarding of the Green Flag to Sean Walsh Park the council paid tribute to the work of the staff of the park and a very active group of volunteers – the Litter Mugs. The Litter Mugs, who organise a monthly clean-up of the park, look out for the birds and wild life and take on other projects in the park.

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Mark Ward, said: “Parks are wonderful spaces where we can play sport, walk and enjoy nature. They enhance our lives and in busy places provide an oasis of calm. I am delighted that South Dublin County Council’s Corkagh Park and Sean Walsh Park have received the Green Flag award, a recognised international standard.

“I want to congratulate the staff and the community groups involved in the parks for this wonderful achievement.”

Other parks in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council administrative are also won Green Flags, including Blackrock Park and Cabinteely Park. Marlay Park and the People’s Park alongside St Stephen’s Green Park.

The raising of the Green Flags will be arranged later in the year.