PURE Mile Awards 2016

The PURE mile competition is an initiative of the PURE Project which involves keeping a mile stretch of road (approx. 1.6 km), and the immediate environment litter/rubbish free, while simultaneously considering the preservation and careful maintenance of the flora and fauna, ditches, hedge-rows, and any other natural or man-made features of the area.

2016 was the seventh year of the PURE Mile competition, with the largest number of entries for the PURE mile since it began 7 years ago with over 60 miles of road from all over Wicklow and South Dublin involved - from Ballymana in South Dublin to Ballinabarney in Glenmalure, from the Kiltipper Uplands to Kiltegan.

The PURE Mile Awards 2016 got underway on 4^th October at The Brooklodge Hotel, Macreddin, Aughrim.  Awards and certificates were presented by T. D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Seán Kyne with several other public representatives and department officials in attendance. There were 13 awards presented on the night with cash prizes totalling over €5,000.

PURE Project Manager, Ian Davis kicked off the ceremony by showing a 10 minute film looking back on the 10 years of PURE and its achievements to date. He complemented all those involved in PURE mile projects for their hard work, dedication and commitment to keeping their local area litter and rubbish free. Being on the doorstep of the largest urban area in the country leaves Wicklow open to illegal dumping and the vigilance and dedication of the local communities is vital to ensuring the fly tippers and dumpers are caught and prosecuted.

Glenmalure PURE Mile spokesperson Pat Dunne, who won the overall best PURE Mile 2016, stated that ‘with all the combined efforts of the 60 miles of road, Wicklow was the real winner on the night’.

There was a tremendous achievement from all involved and congratulations must go to Ian Davis for his dedication to engaging with the rural communities and encouragement to take ownership of our roadscapes.  

If you are interested in getting involved in the PURE mile project and competition, log on to www.pureproject/what-we-do/the-pure-mile.ie  or email info@pureproject.ie