2013 Translink Ulster in Bloom Launched

The 2013 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition was officially launched today (June 20) and this year judges will be paying particular attention to efforts to support Northern Ireland’s rich biodiversity.

The 35th year of the annual horticultural competition has attracted 145 entries representing councils, community groups, businesses, bus and rail stations all preparing to impress judges with beautiful plant and floral presentations.

2013 competition categories include: Small Village, Large Village, Small Town, Town, Large Town, City, Roses in Towns, Crystal Award, Special Awards for Outstanding  Presentation, Community Rail Halt, Floral Station and Most Improved. This year one of the ‘Special Award’ categories will be presented to the entry that shows the greatest efforts to support local biodiversity.

This latest development reflects Translink’s Biodiversity Action Plan that seeks to support natural habitats and species around the bus and rail network.

Translink is also distributing thousands of free packets of wildflower seeds to local stations for customers in a bid to support bees and the process of pollination.

Speaking at the official launch at Corick House, Clogher, Co Tyrone, Translink board member Angela Coffey explained:  “The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition continues to attract entries from cities, towns and villages right across Northern Ireland, encouraging them to look their best through exquisite plant and floral displays. The skill, passion and dedication shown by local gardening talent leaves a lasting positive impression on visitors who possess considerable ‘spending power’, encouraging them to make a return visit.

“While displays look beautiful they also have the capacity to support nature and we are particularly keen for more people to consider biodiversity when choosing their plants, shrubs and flowers.
“Our Big Seeds Giveaway and the recent launch of Translink’s ‘BioBuzz’ initiative  - that asks passengers to record biodiversity they discover while travelling on the bus or train – all contribute to building a brighter, greener and more attractive environment for everyone,” said Angela.

Councillor Freda Donnelly, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said: “It is my pleasure and privilege to represent the Northern Ireland Local Government Association and to convey our admiration, appreciation and encouragement to the Councils, the local ‘In-Bloom’ committees, the residents, the business community and the very many people who supported, and actively participated in, the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition since its inception.  “NILGA represents, promotes, sustains and improves local government on behalf of its 26 member councils; it is therefore fitting that we fully support and promote the Ulster in Bloom competition which aims to improve the quality of life for citizens right across Northern Ireland by the enhancement of our cities, towns and villages while encouraging us to care for the wider environment.

“I would like to pay a special tribute to the Councils ‘Parks and Technical Services’ Departments.  Their interest, enthusiasm and high standards of horticulture are to be admired and encouraged.  I would also like to thank the many citizens and local community groups for their tremendous work in conjunction with local councils. This combined effort has made a notable improvement to the environment and townscapes right across Northern Ireland, which I applaud and I know the Northern Ireland Local Government Association is most keen to encourage.”