Why Rooskey is the most improved tidy town in County Roscommon.
The Roscommon Tidy Towns competition is organised by Roscommon County Council, Roscommon County Development team and Bord Fáilte. In all, there are 33 entries competing in two categories: Category 1 (Improvement) and Category 2 (Effort and Tidiness).
Showing a 13% improvement on 1982, Rooskey is awarded the top marks in Category 1 beating Ballinameen, Loughglynn and Dysart. Category 2 winners are Cloontuskert, Keadue and Cloonfad.
Rooskey is one of the small towns and villages along the Shannon that has benefited from the huge growth in river cruising,
The town itself takes on a decidedly cosmopolitan atmosphere during the summer months.
With a population of just over 600, Rooskey has a first class community spirit, with almost everyone getting involved in Tidy Towns.
The Roscommon County Development team, although mainly concerned with industry is aware that a town's appearance is very important for attracting outside investment.
The general spirit of which the competition generates can also be a very great help in promoting economic development.
Roscommon County Council has provided a prize fund of £800 for the winners of the Tidy Towns competition.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 November 1983. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
