Blackrock Entente Florale Public Information Night to take place

Blackrock Tidy Towns and Louth County Council will host a Public Information Night in advance of Blackrock’s participation in this year’s Entente Florale Europe competition.

The event will take place in Blackrock Community Centre on Thursday, 16 April at 7.30pm and is open to all members of the community.

Entente Florale Europe is an international competition for towns and villages across Europe that promotes environmental quality, sustainability and community involvement, recognising the positive role that green spaces and local initiatives play in improving quality of life. Blackrock, along with Riverstown, Co Sligo, will represent Ireland when adjudicators visit in July.

The Public Information Night will provide an overview of Blackrock’s entry and the competition process, including the criteria used by adjudicators, the proposed judging route, and examples of previous successful entries.

An update will also be provided on the preparations currently underway, along with guidance on how community groups, residents, and local businesses can support and participate in the lead-up to the adjudicators’ visit. There will also be an opportunity on the night for questions and public input.

Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Robert Nash, said community engagement will be central to the village’s participation.

“Work is ongoing to prepare Blackrock for its Entente Florale Europe entry, and community participation is a key element of that process. This information night is an opportunity for people of Blackrock and further afield to learn more about the competition, to ask questions, and to understand how they can contribute over the weeks and months ahead.”

John Horan of Blackrock Tidy Towns said the competition provides a positive focus for the village.

“Entente Florale Europe offers Blackrock an opportunity to build on the work already being done locally while encouraging wider community involvement. The information evening will outline how individuals, groups and businesses can support the village’s entry, and we would encourage people to attend and engage with the process.”

Bill Kearney, Secretary General of Entente Florale Europe, who will attend the Public Information Night, welcomed Blackrock’s participation in the event.

“Entente Florale Europe recognises the role that communities play in enhancing their local environment and quality of life. Blackrock’s involvement reflects a strong commitment to these values, and the competition provides a valuable opportunity to share local initiatives and achievements at a European level.”

Joanna Kelly, Acting Director of Services with Louth County Council, added: “We are delighted with the progress that has been made to date, and the support and advice from the Entente Florale mentoring panel has proved to be invaluable. This event will provide an update on that work and outline the next stages of preparation. Louth County Council looks forward to working closely with the community as Blackrock prepares for the adjudicators’ visit.”

Members of the public with an interest in Blackrock’s Entente Florale Europe entry are encouraged to attend the Public Information Night and find out more about how they can support the village’s participation.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.