Category Ten – Housing Estates
Winner: Ardrew Meadows Housing Estate, Athy, Co Kildare

Summary:

Ardrew Meadows Housing Estate comprises 87 units, under the care of Kildare County Council and Respond Voluntary Housing Association. Six units are travelling community specific. The estate has a community building with a soft surface at the rear for children. There is a very active Residents Committee, holding monthly meetings and supplying newsletters thus keeping all families informed. The Committee, together with residents and children, works tirelessly to provide a litter free environment for all. They organise regular clean ups and maintain grass and shrubbery, adding hanging baskets and window boxes in Spring/Summer. A family fun day in Summer brings all residents together to enjoy refreshments, while children are entertained with face painting, music and games. Prizes are awarded for gardens and flower displays. At Christmas Santa drops in to turn on festive lights and say hello to the children. Social inclusion is the motto of all at Ardrew Meadows Housing Estate.

Community Contact: Ann Dooley, [email protected]

Citation:

Individual houses, apartments and public open spaces are maintained by the residents to an exceptionally high standard in this estate. Remediation of a local black spot was a particular highlight on the day of the judges’ visit. Great emphasis is placed on integration, diversity training and social inclusion and this is important in view of the multi-cultural make-up of the residents. A newsletter is circulated to all residents and at the heart of it is a wonderful Residents Committee pulling it all together.

Runners Up: Meadowlands/ Fitzgerald Park Estate, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council Area, and Whitestown Estate, Blakestown, Dublin 15, Fingal Council Area.