Community Garden Project shortlisted for 'Get Involved' Sustainable Community Initiative Awards

Ballintrillick Environmental Group's Community Garden Project, led by Ciara Barrett at The Benwiskin Centre, has been shortlisted from 32 entries from around the country for the 'Get Involved' Sustainable Community Initiative Awards.

The Community Garden Project welcomes all members of the community to learn, socialise and garden together from March until October. It enables participants to learn how to grow their own food using organic principles, promotes healthy eating through sharing recipes of their harvest and builds lasting friendships based on their shared interest in gardening.

'Get Involved’ is a way for local communities all over Ireland to work together to improve their own lives, create local jobs and protect the environment.  ‘Get Involved’ is a sustainable communities initiative developed by 51 local newspapers throughout Ireland.  The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is the main sponsor of the ‘Get Involved’ awards.  SEAI, as the national energy agency, promotes and assists the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Ireland.  SEAI’s vision is to secure Ireland’s place as a recognised global leader in sustainable energy.  This means a society fully engaged with sustainable energy and a low-carbon economy. 

Ballintrillick Environmental Group are The Sligo Champion's nominee for the annual 'Get Involved' Awards run by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The other finalists are:-

Skibereen Sensory Garden in conjunction with Southern Star
Cloughjordan Wetlands in conjunction with The Nenagh Guardian
Reamp Furniture Longford in conjunction with the Longford Leader
Broadford Trails in conjunction with the Limerick Leader
North Leitrim NEC and Seamus Dunbar in conjunction with the Leitrim Observer

All 6 will be competing for prizes of €5,000, €1,500 or €500 and a Community Energy Champion prize of €3,000.

The competition will be judged by a panel, chaired by broadcaster and environmentalist Duncan Stewart.  The panel visited The Benwiskin Centre on Thursday, 4th May ahead of the Awards ceremony in Dublin on 11th May 2017.

Good luck to all finalists.