The 2023 Green Flag Awards were announced in September by An Taisce Environmental Education, recognising Ireland’s best managed Public Parks and Green Spaces.
The Green Flag Award for Parks was awarded to 101 parks, gardens, grounds and wildlife sanctuaries around the country. The award benchmarks excellence in the management of green spaces which are open free to the public. 150 parks were awarded flags today around Europe, with Ireland leading the way and Barrack Hill Town Park, Carndonagh flying the flag in Donegal.
Michael McFadden, Manager of Roads and Transportation along with Fiona Doherty and her colleagues in Community Development in Donegal County Council are all delighted with the result. Fiona commented “It is a great example of our partnership approach of working together to achieve great outcomes”
“I can attest to the fact that Barrack Hill have never been satisfied to rest on their laurels, indeed, it’s clear the group’s focus is on enhancement for the wider Carndonagh area” Michael added.
Some of the feedback from the judges on their inspection of Barrack Hill was that the new picnic tables are of a high standard, are well positioned and are being well used, the new play park has a good variety and quality of play equipment and the wild animal sculptures and fairy trail are a very nice touch. The bee friendly orchard and bee friendly planting and no mow areas are all coming along well and there was no evidence of weedkiller being used. Additionally, the grass areas are well maintained with a good mixture of planting and the various planters were well decorated and colourful. The community gardens allotment is very well-tended to and the entrance area flower display is vibrant.