Tipperary community group honoured for championing clean rivers and lakes
A Tipperary community group has scooped a major award for their work in protecting their local rivers, lakes and bodies of water.
Marlfield Village Association was honoured with the Waters and Communities Special Award at this year’s Tidy Towns Awards for their work raising awareness of their local water bodies, focusing on Marlfield Lake and the River Suir.
The group’s use of interpretive signage, visual art and guided walks around the lake have helped educate the public – both young and old - about the importance of the area’s rich aquatic biodiversity.
Their volunteers have also led the maintenance of Marlfield Lake and Sandybanks, including mowing the grass, litter control, planting, and care for swans and ducklings.
Successful partnerships with the local GAA club on a biodiversity plan, as well as working closely with Tipperary County Council, Birdwatch Ireland and the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), among others, on a multitude of projects has helped bring improvements to water quality in their area, judges said.
The village association was honoured with €2,000 in prize money, which aims to encourage community groups to get more involved in improving water quality in their areas.
Anthony Coleman, director of services at LAWPRO, said that Marlfield Village Association’s application was impressive and showed the pride of place that the members have.
"The members of Marlfield Village Association submitted an impressive application which showcased a range of ways community groups can help protect their local water body.
"Pride of place, stewardship, dedication and passion for improving Marlfield Lake, the Suir and nearby water bodies, were clear to see and their hard work deserves recognition at this national level,” Mr Coleman said.
John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland, added: “Waterways Ireland judges were impressed by the energy and creativity of the Waters and Communities Award entries.
"The winning applications clearly showed how community groups are using their local waterbody to deliver innovative projects that create tangible environmental benefits, inclusive engagement opportunities and long-term water stewardship driven by local pride,” Mr McDonagh said.
Lynda Connor, director of Inland Fisheries Ireland's south-eastern region, said: "Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is pleased to co-sponsor this award and warmly congratulates Marlfield Village Association.
"Our rivers, lakes, streams and canals are precious natural assets that boost biodiversity and enrich the environment for everyone,” she added.