Letterkenny has scooped the Connaught/Ulster Regional Award in the Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town Awards at last night’s gala ceremony in Tullamore.
Both Letterkenny and Donegal Town were among the 76 Towns and Villages shortlisted as finalists for these awards with Letterkenny taking the Connaught/Ulster Regional Award.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gerry McMonagle and Mayor of Letterkenny Jimmy Kavanagh attended the awards ceremony along with the Council’s Head of Tourism Barney McLaughlin. They were joined at the awards ceremony by Toni Forrestor CEO of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and Ernan and Mary McGettigan from Donegal Town Community Chamber.
Pictured at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town Awards in Tullamore on Wednesday 15 November when Letterkenny received the Connaught/Ulster Regional Award are Barney McLaughlin, Donegal County Council, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh, Mayor of Letterkenny, Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council with representatives from Bank of Ireland.
Speaking following the ceremony Cathaoirleach Cllr. McMonagle said that to have two towns from Donegal among this year’s finalists was a major coup for the county and Letterkenny receiving the Regional Award was a great vote of confidence in Letterkenny not only as a centre for businesses but also as a great place to live in.
Through this competition Bank of Ireland have identified six key qualities in the most enterprising towns and villages in the country and these are –
- Attracting large employers
- Keeping sustainable small businesses going
- Securing investment in local schools
- Supporting community groups
- Retaining local amenities
- And more than anything, the people
Mayor of Letterkenny Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh was also delighted to see Letterkenny win the Regional Award and paid tribute to the work of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce who has been to the fore in promoting the business interests in the town for many years. He also acknowledged the strong working relationship between Donegal County Council and the Letterkenny Chamber.
