A north Clare housing estate has picked up the top accolade at a nationwide competition.

St Joseph's Road in Ballyvaughan was named the overall winner of the Best Kept Local Authority Estate 2008 competition at a function in Ennis last night.

The estate achieved the highest marks of 22 participating estates in the sixth annual competition.

St Joseph's Road was also named winner of Category 1 (for estates consisting of 1-30 houses), Station Road, Lahinch was first in Category 2 (for estates consisting of 31-50 houses) and Rooska, Lisdoonvarna topped Category C (for estates consisting of 51 or more Houses).

Each category winner was presented with a cheque for €600 while the overall winner received an additional €500.

Other winners on the night included Kilnasoolagh Park in Newmarket-on-Fergus for Best New Entrant and Bishop Murphy Park in Parteen for Most Improved Estate.

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Meanwhile, Lower Main Street Tulla won the Green Estate Award.

Commenting on this year's competition, Mayor of Clare, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, said: "All participants are to be complimented for the huge effort they have put in to making their resident group work, and for enhancing their estates.

"It is a case of leading by example, and in all cases this has been done by the resident groups of each estate."

Councillor Joe Arkins, Cathaoirleach of the Housing and Social Policy Committee, acknowledged the commitments shown by residents, including young people in each estate.

He said: "The work the residents' groups do not only helps to improve their respective locations from a physical perspective, but also engenders a spirit of community pride and belonging."

Nora Kaye, Senior Executive Officer of Housing, said: "The council is committed to implementing an Estate Management Strategy to improve the appearance of estates and indeed the quality of life of the residents within their estates.

"This Strategy is very much dependant on involvement of residents so much so that it will not be successful without their co-operation and involvement."

Ms Kaye emphasised the council’s commitment to create sustainable communities in Local Authority estates and improve the quality of life of all residents and the appearance of estates throughout the county.

(PR/JM)