Two Mayo communities reach finals of Irish Times Greenest Places

Mayo Senator Mark Duffy has welcomed news that Ballina and Louisburgh have been shortlisted as finalists by the Irish Times Ireland’s Greenest Places.

Ballina has come through a long list of finalists and is now competing against Skerries in County Dublin and Killarney in County Kerry for the prestigious honour of becoming Ireland’s Greenest Town.

While Louisburgh has been shortlisted as one of Ireland’s Greenest Villages alongside Inagh Village in Clare, Castlehregory in Kerry and Cloughjordan eco village in County Tipperary.

The Louisburgh Community have been recognised for championing Carbon Sequestration and biodiversity in its woodlands as well as their 96 gardeners who engage in sharing tips and information as well as plants, saplings and seedlings among its 700 strong members.

Ballina has been recognised for its community efforts which were showcased during judging this week.

Locations identified in Ballina demonstrating strong community environmental leadership included the Ballina Community Clean Up’s work at the River Brusna, Ballina Sensory Park, the Karen Community Garden, The Ripple and Cascade Projects, Belleek Woods enhancement committee as well as the Ship to Reef project in Killala Bay.

Local sporting organisations including Ballina Boxing Club and Ballina Stephenites GAA as well as the Mercy Convent Regeneration were also noted for their efforts in becoming more energy efficient and environmentally friendly in their practices.

The application was led by The Mary Robinson Centre and finalists are due to find out later in September as to who will be crowned Ireland’s Greenest Town.

Senator Duffy acknowledged the vision of Kevin Loftus from ACT as well as Emma Donohue from the Mary Robinson Centre who led the Ballina application

Senator Duffy complimented the vast amount of work being done across the county by community groups which has been led by volunteers and supported by businesses, and the local authority.

“It is brilliant to see that both Ballina and Louisburgh have been recognised. There is an incredible number of voluntary groups and organisations across County Mayo who are leading the way towards creating a greener, cleaner environment for the future of Mayo.”

Senator Duffy also complimented the other Mayo entries who made the long list who are “blazing an environmental trail within their communities” including:

Kiltimagh (Greenest Town) – home to a new 6.5-acre biodiversity park and the high-quality River Pollagh.

Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Castlebar (Community) – pupils and teachers leading the way in sustainable growing and community education.

Inishturk Island (Community) – implementing biodiversity and renewable energy action plans to protect its unique island landscape.

Fahburren Forest, near Croagh Patrick (Community) – an inspiring citizen-led rewilding project, transforming farmland into thriving native woodland.