Ashford will represent County Wicklow in the Small/Medium population (2001 to 5000) category of the 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards.
Preparations are well underway for judging day which takes place on Monday, 30th September, with a dedicated committee working hard to ensure that Ashford shines among the many towns entered nationwide.
The judges will visit Ashford for a three hour period with a tour of the area taking in the beautiful location, range of businesses and strength of community spirit. The tour will be followed by a presentation to the judges and some time for them to meet local business and community representatives.
As part of the presentation Sean Treacy has agreed to produce a film focussing on the many and varied positive aspects of life in Ashford. Sean is a local 14-year-old who won Ireland’s Young Senior Filmmaker of the Year at the Fresh Film Festival 2019 held in Limerick. He has a huge following on his YouTube channel Stellar. Ashford is extremely lucky to have such a talent assisting them with its Enterprise Town Awards entry.
Other highlights on the day will include a visit to Mount Usher Gardens, a private tour of Ashford Studios and an escape to the Ashford Park playground.
Cllr Shay Cullen, Cathaoirleach, Wicklow Municipal District, explained that “Ashford has a strong mix of both established businesses and dedicated community volunteers. This will prove invaluable when demonstrating all the positive attributes that Ashford possesses.”
Mr Maurice Ramsay, Chairman of the newly established Ashford Community Forum commented: “I am delighted that Ashford has been nominated for this national competition as it gives an excellent opportunity to showcase all that has been achieved in the areas of enterprise and community by our collaborative approach with the local authority, local businesses and the wider community”.
