Two local initiatives have been shortlisted for a 2017 Community and Council Award.
Billy’s Tearooms and Shop in Ballyhale and Tumbledown Media in Carlow are both in the running for top awards.
In August of 2016, planning permission was granted for a community-owned cooperative grocery in Ballyhale.
Those involved say Billy’s Tearooms and Shop is being set up to meet the needs of the people in the Ballyhale, Knocktopher and Knockmoylan areas – which were all hit hard by the recession.
Even though they’ve yet to get up and running, the initiative has already been nominated for a top national award.
It’s the only local project in the Best Community Based Initiative category of the Community and Council awards.
They’re in with 8 other projects including the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Roscrea Community First Responders Group and the Royal Canal Clean Up Group.
Meanwhile, Tumbledown Media in Carlow are in the running for Best New Microbusiness.
The business offers online supports to food companies marketing to children and is responsible for the popular ‘Freddie Buttons’ character.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday the 4th of February at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport.
