The Reddoor Project make a podium finish at the prestigious IPB Pride of Place awards in Dublin, in all island competition.
Louth County Council was well represented at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards ceremony held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin on Saturday evening ( 21st January 2023), hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan.
The Reddoor project was honoured at the ceremony by receiving a runner up award in the “Community Wellbeing Initiative” category.
The judges said: "This project made an immediate impression on the judges who met with an enthusiastic team of dedicated professional workers who have made a significant difference to many people’s lives within their community, over the last number of years."
Creative Spark, Dundalk, were nominated by Louth County Council in the Creative Place Initiative Category and were in attendance, but unfortunately didn’t make a podium finish, this year.
The Pride of Place awards, described as the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, celebrates the often unsung work of community groups that selflessly work to make local communities a better place to live in, work in or visit.
Both local groups were among eighty six groups to have been nominated by thirty four Local Authorities across Ireland on the 20th anniversary of the awards.
Sponsored by IPB, this All-Island competition acknowledges the invaluable work undertaken by local communities to create civic-pride in their area. It focuses on people coming together to shape, improve and enjoy all that is good about their area.
It has grown into the largest competition recognising and celebrating community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
Speaking about the awards Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr. Conor Keelan said: “Louth has a strong tradition of community action and volunteerism and we have taken part for many years in this Pride of Place competition. This Awards ceremony recognises the invaluable efforts of all those involved in their communities who really make a difference. I want to congratulate both groups and thank them for representing Louth with such pride.It is a wonderful competition which showcases all that is best and innovative in communities throughout the island of Ireland that we will continue to support”.
Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council said; “County Louth has been very successful over the years in the All Ireland Pride of Place competition and I congratulate The Reddoor Project on their incredible success in the 2022 competition.It has been a pleasure for Louth County Council to work with both nominees over the years and we are extremely proud of their many achievements. We wish them every success in the future”
Further details available from Paula Gribben, Community Section, Louth County Council at paula.gribben@louthcoco.ie
Representatives from the Reddoor project, Maria Murtagh, Joanne O’Dwyer, Orla Walsh with Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan & Joe Mc Guinness, Director of services (LCC), receiving their award for the Community Wellbeing Initiative category, at the IPB 'Pride of Place' awards ceremony in association with Co-operation Ireland in Dublin.
Representatives from Creative Spark, Harry Mc Carthy, Frankie Watters, Sarah Daly with Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan in attendance, at the IPB 'Pride of Place' awards ceremony in association with Co-operation Ireland in Dublin.
Every community that entered the competition was visited by the IPB Pride of Place judging panels. For more information visit www.prideofplace.ie
The Reddoor Project
The Reddoor Project was established in 2010 as a community based organisation providing assistance in response to addiction issues and has been a constant source of support to the people of Drogheda and its environs ever since. Being the only local community addiction service, their objective is simple, but essential: To provide a safe, non-judgemental, caring environment where every individual is treated with respect, dignity, inclusion, and equality.
The Reddoor Project strives to achieve this by offering support and providing services such as a low-threshold drop-in, keyworking, groupwork, a special rehabilitative CE scheme, puppy-love from their emotional support dog and copious amounts of tea and biscuits. They are passionate about breaking down the barriers and stigma faced by their clients in the wider community. They offer support and advocacy for individuals at any stage of addiction and welcome anyone needing advice or support for themselves, a friend or family member.
When every other door is closed, The Reddoor is open!
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Creative Spark
Creative Spark was launched in 2012 as a centre for creativity and innovation, located at the edge of a large Local Authority Housing Estate in Muirhevenamor, Dundalk, Co. Louth. It aims to provide dedicated creative training and workspace facilities for new and established enterprises in County Louth – a place to work and a place to learn. It is a registered charity operating as a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to develop the local creative industries sector, support new and established innovative enterprises and activate creativity in the community.
This multi-tenant enterprise hub provides access to skills, technology, structures and a platform for peer-support and capacity-building for creative practitioners, start-ups and entrepreneurs. This collaborative environment encourages learners, educators, innovators, start-ups, and the local community to meet and exchange ideas, knowledge and best practice – providing economic opportunity and development across the region.
The Creative Spark building exhibits low-energy building solutions which have led to huge savings to occupants and users alike, while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
