DARD Minister attends ALCI Landscape Awards Ceremony

The work of the landscaping sector across Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic has been praised by Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA as a vibrant and vital part of the horticultural industry on the island.

In spite of the pressure of the recession, she said the role of the sector in creating useable and uplifting public spaces should not be underestimated. Ms Gildernew’s comments came as she attended the annual awards of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) held this year at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle. With over 150 businesses across the island of Ireland working on a wide range of commercial and residential projects, she applauded their achievements in a difficult year. Ms Gildernew said: “It was a privilege to be asked to present the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland awards. I congratulate all the category winners and of course the winner of the Bog Oak Trophy. I appreciate there are many challenges facing the industry. However despite these challenges there is a lot to be positive about. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of landscapers from across Ireland and reward their commitment to a high standard of workmanship. It also offers an opportunity to showcase the wide range of quality plant material that can be produced by our local horticulture sector.” This year’s overall winner who was awarded the Bog Oak Trophy was Peter O’Brien & Sons who were recognised for their work at the Point Village commercial and residential development in central Dublin. Also lifting a win for its work in Dublin was Portadown based company, Clive Richardson Ltd who were selected for their achievement in creating the new pitch at Croke Park. In Northern Ireland, the Landscape Centre at Ballyclare was honoured for its work in the recreation of the Walled Garden at Bangor Castle in a project funded by North Down Borough Council. Ms Gildernew concluded: “I am very impressed with the ethos of ALCI for its commitment to quality. Your awards tonight reward this quality.” The awards cover all aspects of landscaping businesses, from large commercial and residential contracts to smaller scale projects. Current chair of ALCI, Steven Thompson said: “For nearly 40 years the Association of Landscape Contractors has represented landscape contractors from all over Ireland who are committed to providing excellent quality work, and we will continue to work to improve and maintain the high standards within the industry.” --------------------------------- Northern Region Winners Included: Private Gardens under £10,000 Winner: Hortus Tuus: private garden, Belfast Private Garden £10,000 - £30,000 Winner: Garden Design & Build: private garden, Omagh Private Gardens over £30,000 Winner: Cameron Landscapes Ltd: private garden, Holywood Award of Merit: Beechill Landscapes Ltd: private garden, Annahilt Commercial & Public Authority Under £50,000 Winner: The Landscape Centre Ltd: New Mossley Community Garden, Newtownabbey Commercial & Public Authority Over £50,000 Winner: The Landscape Centre Ltd: The Walled Garden, Bangor Awards of Merit: Cameron Landscapes Ltd, Newry Train Station Commercial and Public Authority Maintenance Winner: Bloomingdale Nurseries Ltd: Baskets & Floral Displays Belfast City Centre Sportsgrounds Winner: Clive Richardson Ltd: Croke Park, Dublin Award of Merit: Tony Patterson Sportsgrounds Ltd: Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry Award of Merit: Tony Patterson Sportsgrounds Ltd: The High School, Rathgar, Dublin This years awards were sponsored by Annaveigh Plants, Beech Grove Nursery, Cyril Johnston Hire, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Johnsons of Whixley and Kilsaran Lifestyle. ENDS ISSUED BY Lyn Sherriff, ALCI Northern Region, 028 9127 2823 / 07989 301218 Paula Smyth, Lantra, 028 7963 1304 CREDIT FOR PHOTOS ALCI 2010 33 – Bog Oak Trophy winners, Peter O’Brien & Sons who were presented this prestigious award by Michelle Gildernew MP MLA and Keith Crawford, President of ALCI Commercial over £50k – The Landscape Centre, Ballyclare was honoured for its work in the recreation of the Walled Garden at Bangor Castle ALCI 2010 11 – Clive Richardson Ltd staff picked up their prize for their achievement in creating a new pitch at Croke Park EDITORS NOTES ALCI was established in 1971 and it works to improve and maintain high standards of landscaping throughout Ireland for both the private and public sectors. The annual Awards recognise the excellent standard of landscaping and garden design achieved by landscaping companies in Ireland; judgment is based on original concept and design, standard of work in hard and soft landscaping, integration, suitability, efficiency and overall presentation. The ALCI represents over 150 member companies throughout Ireland.