07/03/2003

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

PRESS RELEASE

At a ceremony at South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, the Mayor of South Dublin Councillor Jim Daly was presented with White Flag Awards for Clondalkin Sports & Leisure Centre and Lucan Sports & Leisure Centre by Kilian Fisher C.E.O. ILAM Ireland and Patricia Oliver of An Taisce.

The white flag for Leisure Facilities is a new hygiene / environment award launched by ILAM Ireland and An Taisce as a pilot for Europe. 

The award, aimed at swimming pools, sports hall, gymnasiums and other indoor facilities, is based on the highly successful European Blue Flag for beaches award which is granted to beaches and marinas that pass a number of environmental and safety criteria.

The White Flag award was designed to emphasise environmental activities as well as excellent hygiene standards, so as to focus attention on environmental issues.  Strong ‘Eco-friendly’ principles, such as waste minimisation, recycling facilities, and energy conservation are imperative for the White Flag.

By following the criteria, and making some necessary changes a facility can reach a very high standard, offering the best possible service, without resorting a major structural changes.  A facility can also save money on energy and water bills by conserving these resources where possible.

In excepting the award the Mayor praised the initiative of An Taisce and The Institute of Leisure & Amenity Management for their foresight in establishing this very important and innovative scheme.  The Mayor paid tribute to all the staff at both Clondalkin and Lucan Centres.  He also thanked FAS for their co-operation in assisting the centres achieve these awards in conjunction with all the C.E. Participants.  He concluded by saying he hoped more centres in the County would receive the award in the future.

For further information please contact Kevin Kane, Senior Community Officer on 4149151 or kkane@sdublincoco.ie

Issued on behalf of Mr. Michael Keyes, Head of Corporate Services Department, South Dublin County Council- Ph. 4149034

Email: mkeyes@sdublincoco.ie