Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments

‘The PURE Mile’ is an environmental initiative of the PURE (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) project which aims to foster a greater appreciation and awareness of our country roadscapes by rewarding and acknowledging local community efforts.  This can be achieved through keeping a mile stretch of road (approx. 1.6 km), and the immediate environment litter/rubbish free, while simultaneously considering the preservation and careful maintenance of the flora and fauna, ditches, hedge-rows, and any other natural or man made features of the area. The simple act of clipping back a hedgerow on a dangerous bend, repairing or painting traditional gates, retaining stone walls and stiles in good condition, identifying  heritage features, and the regular picking up of litter and rubbish will benefit both local people and the local environment.

The Awards ceremony for the 2010/2011 PURE Mile Competition was held at the Brooklodge Hotel on 14th September 2011. All participants received a framed PURE Mile certificate.  There were seven awards on the night and cash prizes totalling €2,500 were presented by Mr. Phil Hogan T.D. Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government and Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach Mr Sylvestor Bourke. 

Awards went to;

The Best PURE Mile:  The Old Road PURE Mile (Mullinacuffe – Stranakelly – Ballynultagh).

Best PURE Mile Photograph:  Askanagap PURE Mile

Best Litter Free Award:  Rathdangan PURE Mile

Best Heritage/Education Award:  Blessington Community College

Best Natural Heritage Award:  The Knockatemple (Roundwood) PURE Mile

Best Built Heritage Award:  Newcastle PURE Mile

Best Community Effort Award:   Askanagap PURE Mile

The 2009/2010 PURE Mile winners were;

The  Best Pure Mile:  The Lacey Brothers PURE Mile (Ballinglen)

Best Heritage/Education Award:  Avondale Community College

Best Natural Heritage Award:  The Vartry PURE Mile (Roundwood)

Best Community Effort Award:  The Lacey Brothers PURE Mile (Ballinglen)

Best Litter Free Award:  The Vartry PURE Mile (Roundwood)

We Are Now Looking For Entrys for the 2012 PURE Mile Competition.  The PURE Mile is open to all existing and new community and local groups - such as;

A group of people living along the mile or in the area

A community Group or residents group Groups involved, or thinking of becoming involved in the Green Communities

A Fás or Rural Social Scheme group

Primary or Secondary School Students - as part of a class project

Special Interest Groups, i.e., walking groups, cycling groups, etc.  Why not adopt a Mile in the uplands and enter the competition

Remember, it only takes one person to get things going and all of the work can be completed after entering the competition

There is €2250 worth of prize money to be won and all entries will feature in the PURE Mile Calendar

How to enter the PURE Mile Competition

Click on the below link to download a PURE Mile Information Booklet and Application Form

The Pure Mile Information Booklet

The Pure Mile Application Form

You can also request a PURE Mile Information Booklet and Application Form by emailing PURE at info@pureproject.ie or phone 0404 45547 or write to the below address

Applicants are confined to, local primary, local secondary or local tertiary roads.

Closing date for return of applications is on or before 31st November 2011