Council flies the flag for its award-winning parks
July 24, 2019
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has been awarded four prestigious Green Flag Awards from the environmental charity - Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
Moira Demesne has received its first Green Flag, while Moat Park in Dundonald and Castle Gardens and Wallace Park in Lisburn have maintained their Green Flag status.
The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open spaces. It is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. The award scheme has grown from strength to strength in Northern Ireland with 76 sites now in Northern Ireland since the programme was launched in 2008.
The Mayor, Councillor Alan Givan, speaking about the four awards, said: “I am delighted that Lisburn and Castlereagh’s Green Flag status is growing year after year. These prestigious awards presented to Moira Demesne, Moat Park, Castle Gardens and Wallace Park are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers and I want to say a huge ‘well done’ to everyone involved.
“The council’s parks and open spaces play a vital role within the community by providing space for people to hold events and opportunities for families and individuals to be active outdoors. We are proud that our council area has so many wonderful locations for people to experience and enjoy.”
Also speaking about the council’s success, Chair of the council’s the Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley, added: “I am delighted that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has received national recognition for four of our parks and open spaces.
“Hundreds of men and women, both staff and volunteers, have worked tirelessly throughout the year to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award scheme. Wallace Park has retained the award for the fourth year running, with Castle Gardens receiving its Green Flag for the eleventh year. I would like to thank everyone involved in keeping these facilities in immaculate, award-winning condition.”
The awards were presented at Queen’s University Belfast, which is the first university in Northern Ireland to be recognised by the scheme.
Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said: “It is time once again to celebrate a record number of Green Flag Awards, meaning more spaces than ever before offering wonderful experiences for visitors throughout the year. I want to thank the staff who give their all to maintain these spaces to such high standards for us to enjoy.”
If you are interested in finding out more information about the Green Flag Award or other programmes run by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, email enquiries@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org, call 028 9073 6920 or go to www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org.