Dunleer puts best foot forward for National Enterprise Town Awards

Dunleer may represent the smallest town shortlisted in county Louth for a  Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards this year, but it hopes that the beneficial relationship between business and the community, will convince the judges that it deserves an award.

Eugene Conlon of the Dunleer Community Development Group said he believes Dunleer deserves to secure an award because, “we are an example of local business supporting community and community supporting business.”

The three judges began their tour in the Market House where they were formally introduced to the town and what it has to offer.

Over the following three hours they saw a selection of the projects that secured Dunleer a place on the shortlist alongside Blackrock and Dundalk.

Among the well known businesses they toured were Lannleire Honey, Mcor Technologies, Suretank and Glen Dimplex.

They also visited the Men’s Shed, met pupils of Scoil Ui Mhuire at the murals on the main street, had a walkabout and also went to see the contribution made to health and sport by the GAA and Team Carrie.

The judges heard about the Energy Team programme established by the Dunleer Community Development Group which has implemented an education programme for home owners on energy conservation and it has led a programme of retrofitting homes, community centres and businesses.

Eugene Conlon said “Businesses in the area have recognised that helping the community to grow leads to a better quality of life in the surrounding area and creates a good area for all to thrive in including being a good place for their employees to live and work in.”

He hopes the Judges left with, “a sense of seeing a community that is well rounded  and a town that values what we have developed over the years, but has developed this to the benefit all.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of November.

Cllr Liam Reilly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said, “Dunleer had seen many changes especially in the last three decades.  After the M1 bypassed this idyllic village the community and business, both large and small, worked tirelessly to ensure it remained vibrant.”

“Nested nearly between Dundalk and Drogheda, Dunleer  has carved out a niche for itself  - evidence of ‘community’ at its best,” he added.