Bray was recognised as a runner-up at this year’s Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2018.
The National Enterprise Town awards, run by Bank of Ireland, which is in its third year aims to promote enterprise by bringing business and community groups together, in towns and villages across Ireland to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.
The very best of what Bray has to offer was showcased to a panel of judges who visited the town on Tuesday, 25th September 2018 at the Mermaid Arts Centre. Representatives from the local authority, the business sector and community groups made an impressive presentation. Its theme highlighted how businesses and community groups are working together collaboratively with the Municipal District and State agencies to contribute to the overall enterprising nature of the town.
The judges were also taken on a whistle-stop tour of the town with visits to Oriflame Research and Development Centre, Little Bray Community Centre, River Dargle Flood Protection, Florentine Shopping Centre construction site and the Cowfish restaurant.
Cllr. Pat Vance, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District said, “I am delighted that Bray has been recognised as a runner-up at the Enterprise Town Awards for 2018. It really shows that our collaborative approach with the local authority, business and the wider community is working. I’m extremely proud of this achievement. A big thanks to everyone who helped with our application. As a team, we will continue to actively promote Bray by encouraging, assisting and supporting the economic and social growth of the town.”
About the awards
The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards is designed to recognise and reward towns where businesses and the community come together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. The competition is held in collaboration with local authorities across Ireland.
The winners were announced at a gala awards ceremony which took place at The Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny on November 28, 2018.
Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was crowned the overall winner at the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards 2018, winning a €33,000 cash prize.
This year 83 towns and urban villages from almost every county nationwide were represented on the night, and 35 received awards.
About Bray Town
Bray is a coastal town in County Wicklow and is situated about 20 km south of Dublin city centre on the east coast. It is the ninth largest urban area within the Republic of Ireland.
Bray is a resort town making it a destination for tourists and day-trippers, with a great social scene, bustling town centre and thriving industry.
Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Finnegan’s Bray, Aircoach, St. Kevin’s Bus Service to Glendalough and the M11 and M50 motorways provide commuter links between Bray and the rest of the country.
In recent years Bray saw a four-fold increase in bookings via ebookers making it the second most popular staycation destination in the country.
Bray.ie was crowned the ‘Best Connected Community’ in the Community and Council Awards in January 2017. The awards recognise and celebrate community and councils working together. You can read more about the awards here: https://bray.ie/bray-ie-wins-best-connected-community-award/.
The Bray National Enterprise Town Awards application was supported by Bray Chamber, Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie. Bray.ie is a trading name of Bray Tourism.
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