Press release
OPW Park voted Top Ten of International Green Flag Awards Parks
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Derrynane National Historic Park in County Kerry has been included in the list of top ten international sites in a People’s Choice vote for Green Flag Awards parks.
The People's Choice is voted on every year by members of the public. Over 50,000 votes were cast in a year that has seen parks and green spaces serve a vital role for health and wellbeing worldwide during the Covid19 pandemic. Derrynane was the first public park in Munster to achieve a Green Flag award in 2016 and the OPW is delighted that its value to the Irish people has been recognised internationally in a public vote. This is a great achievement that would not have been possible without the support of the local community of Caherdaniel and a wide range of stakeholders.
Echoing the words of the Green Flag Organisation following the announcement of Derrynane National Historic Park’s inclusion in the top ten earlier today, Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, said
The effects of the pandemic has meant that more and more communities are valuing the outdoor spaces they have local access to. The OPW was awarded Green Flag status for nine of its Parks throughout the country and I am delighted that Derrynane has now been chosen by the public as one of the top ten parks internationally. It is a testament to all who work to maintain and present our parks to the highest standards and it is heartening to know that the public appreciate such wonderful amenities.
The Green Flag award now operates in 15 countries around the world including: Australia, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom*, New Zealand, Mexico and the USA - celebrating over 2,000 Award winning parks and green spaces annually.
ENDS
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For further information on the Green Flag Award program, visit greenflagaward.org
Derrynane National Historic Park, on the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, was Daniel O’ Connell’s childhood home and the place where he and his family spent many summers and hosted many guests. In the care of the OPW since 1964, Derrynane still hosts many guests with over 270,000 visitors so far in 2020.
The Green Flag Awards, administered by An Taisce in the Republic of Ireland, recognise and encourage the provision of good quality parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways. The awards are marked on eight criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
The following OPW sites were awarded Green Flags in 2020:
St. Stephen's Green Park, Castletown Demesne, Derrynane Historic Park, Fota Arboretum & Gardens, Garinish Island, Grangegorman Military Cemetery, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, the Iveagh Gardens and the Phoenix Park