Judging has concluded in the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards with Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon town battling for the title.
Picture Credit: Gerard O’Loughlin
The aim of the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards is to promote enterprise by bringing business and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their town.
On Wednesday the Judging Panel visited Boyle and Castlerea and yesterday they visited Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon town. Each town made a presentation outlining why their locality should be chosen and then the judges were brought for a guided tour of the town.
Chair of the Judging Panel Tom Dowling, who is the former Chief Executive of Meath and Carlow County Councils, said he had an “Inspiring time judging Bank of Ireland enterprising towns competition in Boyle, Castlerea, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen.” adding that they were “All ready for future”.
Criteria
The competition was judged across a range of criteria including;
· Evidence of enterprising initiatives and networking opportunities which support the local economy, e.g. start-ups, youth and learning initiatives, SMEs
· Town Leadership & Vision: demonstrate innovative forward thinking and planning to support enterprise development
· Community support for local businesses, key services and culture, sports, heritage, environment
· A spirit of collaboration between diverse groups including businesses, local authorities, cultural, educational, sports, heritage and environmental organisations etc.