Carrick on Shannon is celebrating after learning it has achieved the prestigious Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy. Purple Flag is a town and city centre award – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 18:00 & 05:00. Towns awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant mix of entertainment while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Frank Curran CE of Leitrim County Council, and Chair of the Purple Flag Steering Group commented that:
“this is a fantastic achievement for Carrick on Shannon which is the smallest town yet to achieve this prestigious International award highlighting the level of ambition that exists in the town. The assessor’s comment that this is a small town with a very big offer highlights the unique quality of the visitor experience”. The assessors were genuinely impressed with the town’s sense of partnership and responsibility”. He went on to compliment all who had helped in a variety of ways to achieve the award.
Since 2007, the programme has awarded the Purple Flag status to over 65 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland. Purple Flag accredited towns have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy. The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) which works alongside the Purple Flag Advisory Committee.
“Achieving the Purple Flag standard in Carrick on Shannon demonstrates the excellent collaboration that exists between various community groups and businesses with An Garda Siochána and other State bodies in ensuring that Carrick on Shannon provides a safe policing environment with particular reference to the night time economy. He added that crime figures for 2015 have continued to fall” said Superintendent Kevin English who was also a member of the Purple Flag Steering Group.
The project team involved in achieving Purple Flag Status included people from local business, local recreation and arts interests, hospitality and restaurant sector, Tidy Towns, Gardai and Local Authority and was co-ordinated by Nollaig Whyte, Economic Development Officer of Leitrim County Council.
Carrick Chamber were one of the key partners in the project and Gerry Faughnan, President of the Chamber stated that: “he was delighted to see business led initiatives had been reflected so positively in the views of the Assessors – with the Ambassador’s programme and Accommodation Link coming in for particular mention – the Accommodation Link being a co-ordinated service between taxi and accommodation providers for the many visitors to the town, particularly in the late evening”. He also acknowledged that the partnership model established between all partners was the driving force in this and many other successes for Carrick on Shannon”
Carrick on Shannon’s overall assessment comment included the following – “The Accommodation Link and Ambassadors Schemes are exemplary. Their execution by caring individuals is priceless. It would be interesting to see such schemes replicated in larger locations to see if they are a product of size. Most impressive! The shared knowledge of the town’s history by the historic group and the care of the Tidy Towns group were especially invigorating, as was the sincerity of the hospitality group in caring for visitors and ensuring that responsible but fun activities took place. The assessors were genuinely impressed at the town’s sense of partnership and responsibility. The Assessment Panel recommended that Carrick on Shannon is used as an example for further towns of similar size in Ireland looking at the Purple Flag programme”.
Philip Kolvin QC, Chairman of the Purple Flag Board said:
“The sustained growth of the Purple Flag initiative is highlighting the important challenge of creating a balanced, safe and vibrant night-time offering. Each area achieving this awardhas displayed how local organisations working together in partnership with the public can create positive and innovative outcomes.It is inspiring to witness the ongoing diversity of efforts from all accredited towns; old and new alike.”
Carrick on Shannon will officially receive the Purple Flag accreditation along with Cork, Navan and Swords and five towns who have had their status renewed at an awards ceremony on the 3rd November in Guildford, Surrey.