The Irish Times has launched its Best Place to Live in Ireland 2021, an initiative that gives people, towns and villages around the country the opportunity to nominate their own place.
The initiative, which was launched by The Irish Times last weekend, will see each nominated location judged on specific criteria, including community spirit, local services and amenities, diversity, transport links, vibrancy of the local economy, cost of living, safety and of course the unique X factor.
Speaking at the launch, Irish Times Media Solutions Director Eimear Moran commented, “Best Places to Live gives so many wonderful communities a chance to shine and we are delighted to see it return for summer 2021. This nationwide competition will generate much needed positivity and engagement across our towns and villages. Special thanks to our partner Randox for their support and we wish all entrants the very best of luck.”
The countrywide competition last took place almost 10 years ago in 2012 in the midst of the financial crisis. Westport was selected as the overall Irish Times Best Place to Live as it met so many criteria and displayed a remarkable community spirit that was evident in its 90-plus voluntary organisations.
Lynsey Adams, Head of Marketing for sponsor Randox, said the company was delighted to support ‘Best Places to Live 2021’.
“From our life sciences diagnostic hub in Dungloe in the heart of Donegal to our travel centres located across Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Antrim we are delighted to be part of a countrywide competition that is sure to brighten up the nation. With almost 40 years’ experience in diagnostics, Randox is the UK and Ireland’s largest COVID-19 PCR testing provider with a capacity to test over 500,000 samples per day whilst delivering next day results.”
“To date, we have processed over 13 million tests and are proud to support the international fight against the pandemic by offering testing services that allow people to live their lives as normally as possible. We look forward to seeing all the entries coming in across the summer and wish participants the best of luck in the competition. “
The judging panel will be chaired by Irish Times journalist Conor Goodman who is joined by Mayo County Architect, Simon Wall, Dr Illona Duffy, Monaghan based GP and public health commentator, RTÉ Nationwide presenter Zainab Boladalea and Irish Times journalist and author of ‘A Secret Map of Ireland’ Rosita Boland. The closing date for entries is July 25th and the winner will be announced in September.
