Two awards for Clonakilty bike scheme

THE Clonakilty Community Cycle Scheme proved to be a double winner at last weekend’s 10th LAMA Community and Council Awards held in Dublin. 

The rural community bike scheme, which was set up just last year, not only won ‘The Best Community Based Initiative’ award but they also picked up ‘The Grand Prix’ award, selected for overall outstanding excellence from all category nominations.

Clonakilty fared very well in the annual awards, which recognise and celebrate the work and achievements of communities and councils working together. 

Clonakilty Waste Water Treatment Plant won the award for ‘The Most Significant Contribution to Water Quality’, while Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens won ‘The Best Business Working with the Community’ award.

Cork County Council nominated seven projects from across the county and Chairman of Cork County Council’s Western Division. 

Cllr Declan Hurley said he was honoured to represent the Western Division of West Cork at this gala event.

‘These awards celebrate the visions and enthusiasm of community groups working closely with local authorities in the improvement and expansion of local services and thereby creating better places to live and work,’ said Cllr Hurley.

‘It was a proud night for West Cork receiving four awards, all of which were competing on a national level with many other projects from around the country. The awards are also a clear indication of what can be achieved when community volunteerism is encouraged and supported at local government level,’ added Cllr Hurley.

Teresa O’Neill, owner of Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens, said they were very honoured to receive national recognition for their contribution to the community.

‘Our customers are extremely good to us, so it really is a pleasure to be able to give something back. This award is just the icing on the cake and I would like to thank the hard working team here at Fernhill, together with the local community for their support throughout the years,’ said Teresa.

Lisheens House in Skibbereen, which provides a free counselling service to people at risk of suicide, was a finalist in the awards as well.