Naas recently secured Purple Flag status and a newly formed working group has been created to start the work to promote the town nationally and internationally as a must visit destination.
Councillor Bill Clear is the new chairperson of the working group. Bill is a Naas town resident, local councillor and is extremely active in the town said CEO of County Kildare Chamber Allan Shine.
“We are delighted that Naas has been awarded the Purple Flag status in recognition of our dedicated efforts in promoting the night time economy in the town. We are very proud to fly the Purple Flag, reflecting the strength of on-going partnerships and engagement with residents. We look forward to promoting the Purple Flag, and will use it as a stepping stone in our continuing development of a vibrant and safe night time environment for our businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
Bill Clear said, ““Internationally the evening and night time economies of towns and cities are becoming increasingly important. We are seeing a closer alignment of the retail and hospitality industries, and the lines between the traditional day and evening economies are blurring. If our towns and cities are to survive and thrive in the 21st century, they must meet the expectations of both visitors and our indigenous population. To achieve that goal our town centres must be professionally managed and promoted. Those towns that are well structured and organised will be best placed to meet the serious challenges that we will face in the coming years.. “
Similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag Award aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres in the evenings and at night. The scheme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) working alongside the Purple Flag Advisory Committee Purple Flag. Accredited towns and cities have proven that they are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home after dark and provide a good mix of venues. Purple Flag towns and cities benefit from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and improved perceptions of centres.
Clear concluded by saying , “Purple Flag status is one which we should all be proud of and demonstrates our ‘one team’ mentality to ensure Naas is a safe, prosperous place to visit and enjoy what is on offer. There is work to be done, and we will continue to identify challenges and put in place plans to address them”