Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, Fingal County Council, and the Dublin Dun-Laoghaire Education and Training Board (ETB) have been awarded a gold medal for their entry to Bloom in the Park 2018.
‘The Greener Way for Fingal’ was the title of this year’s entry and its theme highlighted the potential for the development of multi-functional public spaces across Fingal. The garden was designed by Award-Winning Landscape Designer and ITB Lecturer Jane McCorkell, while the planting was carried out by ITB students of Horticulture under the direction of their lecturers. The participants of the Local Training Initiative managed by the DDLETB based in Bremore Castle, Balbriggan constructed all the hard landscape features. Many of the materials used in the garden construction will be reused in the restoration of Bremore Castle.
Bloom in the Park opened on Thursday, 31 May. President Michael D Higgins with his wife, Sabina Higgins, was one of the first visitors to the Fingal garden. Both the President and his wife were greeted by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, Senior Parks Superintendent at Fingal County Council, Kevin Halpenny and Designer Jane McCorkell.
Welcoming the award, Mr. Kevin Halpenny said: “We are delighted to be given a gold medal for the ‘Greener Way for Fingal’. The collaboration between Fingal, ITB and ETB allowed for the creation of a beautiful garden that highlights the potential we have in Fingal to develop public spaces that can be used for cycle routes, pedestrian routes, wildlife habitats, urban drainage systems and play areas which are vital to allow us to increase sustainability.”
Also present was Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley who said: “The Greener Way for Fingal is a celebration of the natural beauty found in our county. I’m delighted that the creativity, skills and hard work of Fingal staff, the ITB students, and participants of the ETB have been recognised and rewarded.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said: “This year’s Bloom entry is a great example of the county’s commitment to sustainability, environmental well-being as well as maintaining parks and other public spaces. I’m delighted that ‘The Greener Way for Fingal’ has been so highly commended.”
Congratulations to all involved.
Bloom runs from May 31st until June 4th. For full details see http://bloominthepark.com/
 have been awarded a gold){kind=link}