Purple Flag Initiative - Meeting, March 15th, Dublin
An initial meeting to launch the programme will take place in Dublin on 15th March and more locations are invited to attend with a view to joining the Pathfinder programme.
Dublin and Ennis are the first locations in Ireland to go for Purple Flag accreditation for night-time economies that are clean, safe, vibrant and convivial. Over the next few months the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) will work with Dublin and Ennis in preparing their entries. If successful, they could receive their flags in June 2013.
Richard Guiney for Dublin City BID and Brian O’Neill of Promote Ennis and Ennis Chamber have agreed to become the Pathfinders for this exciting new programme in the Republic of Ireland.
An initial meeting to launch the programme will take place in Dublin on 15th March and more locations are invited to attend with a view to joining the Pathfinder programme.
Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of night-time destinations. Just as Blue Flag is an indicator of a clean beach, Purple Flag is an indicator of where to go for a good night out – and brings positive publicity for successful centres.
Launched by the Association of Town Centre Management in England in October 2009, the scheme has now spread to 25 town and city centres in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – and there is growing interest from Europe, the USA and Australia.
A similar Pathfinder programme in Northern Ireland resulted in 4 places gaining Purple Flag Accreditation (Bangor, Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Enniskillen) with another 15 attending a launch event last month.
According to Purple Flag holders the scheme has galvanised the night time economy in their areas, increased partnership working and improved performance on safety, crime-reduction and cleanliness.
Martin Blackwell, Chief Executive of the Association of Town Centre Management, said:
“I am delighted that Dublin and Ennis are taking up the challenge of Purple Flag. I hope others will come forward to work with us to ’blaze a trail‘ for others to follow.
“Purple Flag can play a valuable role in raising the standard and broadening the appeal of Ireland’s night time economy. Our pathfinder programme has been very successful north of the border.
“This is a valuable ’test run’, to ensure Purple Flag reflects Irish priorities and potential. I invite other locations to join Dublin and Ennis in making this in making this initiative a huge success.”
Richard Guiney, Chief Executive of Dublin City BID, said:
“Dublin is renowned for the vibrancy of its night time economy. We have pioneered many of the approaches that are now common elsewhere.
“I want Dublin at night to be remembered by locals and visitors for the right reasons. Purple Flag can help us achieve that and can help us project a positive image for the city and its businesses.”
Brian O’Neill, Chair of Promote Ennis and President of Ennis Chamber said:
“Purple Flag has the strong support of partners in Ennis, including the Ennis Chamber, Promote Ennis and Clare Tourism Forum. Purple Flag accreditation would be a unique opportunity to attract more visitors to Ennis; in particular from the UK. They could base themselves in a town with an award they know and trust.”
Johnny Flynn, Ennis Town Councillor, Clare County Councillor and Chair of Ennis MPC, agreed and added:
“Our recent Ennis 2020 visioning initiative tapped into local concern for safety and variety at night. Based on this research we have made contact with Purple Flag representatives and found it a very well-structured and proven scheme. I am truly delighted to be one of the first two locations in Ireland to apply for this accreditation.”
For more information about Purple Flag in Ireland:
Association of Town Centre Management: (0044)3003300980 www.atcm.org/index.php
Purple Flag Pathfinders or to attend the meeting in Dublin on 15th March : Paul Davies. pdavies001@gmail.com Tel (0044) 208 908 2604 & (0044) 7986 543670
Media Enquiries : Richard Dennery. media@atcm.org Tel (0044) 7885 945404
Background on Purple Flag
Purple Flag is the “gold standard” for night time destinations. Like Blue Flag for beaches, places that meet the standards can fly the flag. Purple Flag centres have something for everyone. They are clean, safe, vibrant and convivial. The benefits can include:
· A raised profile and an improved public image
· Wider patronage
· Increased expenditure
· Lower crime and anti-social behaviour
· A more successful mixed-use economy
Twenty-five town and city centres have been awarded Purple Flags since the scheme was launched by the Association of Town Centre Management in October 2009.
The standards are summarised in the Core Agenda illustrated below. These five Core Agenda Themes are supplemented by five Minimum Threshold Standards and thirty Attributes.