PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 29^TH JANUARY 2009

LAMA Awards 2009 for South Dublin County Council.

Councillor Marie Corr, Mayor, South Dublin County Council accepted two prestigious awards on behalf of the Council at the Local Authority Members Association(LAMA) awards ceremony in City West Hotel on Saturday 24^th. January 2009. Deputy Michael Kitt, TD, Minister of State for the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government was Guest of Honour.

The Mayor praised the efforts of Council members, staff and citizens of South Dublin County for their continuing efforts in making South Dublin County a better place to live, work, play and visit and acknowledged that these awards were a recognition of the proactive and inclusive approach taken by the Council

1. Clonburris Strategic Development Zone was declared winner in the Best Environmentally Friendly Initiative Category. The Local Area Plan is based on sustainable development principles and has provided for the following services in tandem with the development:

• Excellent Public Transport Facilities including rail stations, metro stop and quality bus services

• Detailed development framework based on eight individual neighbourhoods

• Sustainable environmental performance targets to minimise carbon emissions and promote biodiversity

• Protection and enhancement of the ecological and historical aspects of the Grand Canal and the provision of interlinked parks along the canal.

2. Clondalkin Sports and Leisure Centre was declared winner in the Best Recreational Facility Category.

• The Centre was officially opened in June 2008 and incorporates a 25 metre, 8 lane swimming pool with moveable floor to allow greater access and flexibility.
• This modern facility includes a changing village with family cubicles, special needs changing rooms and group changing rooms to cater for all needs
• It also has a fully air conditioned gymnasium, indoor sports hall, caf along with 4 all weather pitches and playground

Pic 1 shows Mayor Marie Corr accepting Best Recreational Facility Category Award for Clondalkin Sports and Leisure Centre. Also included from left Billy Coman, Director Housing, Cllr Billy Ireland (Chairman LAMA), Cllr Caitriona Jones, Maura Maguire Lynch (LAMA ), Cllr Thrse Ridge, Cllr Eamon Tuffy, Michael Kitt TD, Minister of State for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Pic 2 shows Mayor Marie Corr accepting Best Environmentally Friendly Initiative Category Award for Clonburris Strategic Development Zone. Also included from left Cllr Billy Ireland (Chairman LAMA), Paul Hogan, Senior Planner, Cllr Thrse Ridge, Bernadette OConnell (ATKINS), Michael Kitt TD, Minister of State for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

ENDS

Issued 29^th January 2009