Pictured at the unveiling of Wexford’s Purple Flag are Graham Rowley, Cllr George Lawlor, Cllr Tony Dempsey, Karl Fitzpatrick, Madeleine Quirke, Tony Larkin, Angie Laffan, Cllr Jim Moore and Cllr Lisa McDonald. Pic: Christy Farrell

CELEBRATIONS RANG out at the Irish National Heritage Park recently, as Deputy Mayor Cllr. Tony Dempsey officially hoisted Wexford’s ‘Purple Flag’.

The prestigious new status recognises the vibrancy of the town’s evening and night-time economy and is expected to lead to a significant increase in footfall in the area.

Purple Flag is a town and city centre award, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, which is awarded to towns and cities judged to meet certain criteria for vibrant and safe evening and night-time economies.

Destinations which receive the status are viewed as the ‘gold standard’ in night-time economies.

Wexford was awarded a Purple Flag in respect of its diverse range of dining, entertainment and cultural offerings, as well as for the way in which the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents alike is promoted.

Since the programme began in 2007, Purple Flag accreditation has been awarded to 65 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.

Existing ‘Purple Flag’ areas in Ireland include: Dublin’s Dame District; Ennis, County Clare and Bray, County Wicklow.

Speaking as Wexford’s flag was hoisted, Cllr. Dempsey said: “Winning the Purple Flag is another project milestone for Wexford and it is a great credit to the team who have driven the project to completion.

“Towns and cities that have been awarded Purple Flag status have reported increased sales and additional evening events and activities.

“Wexford is currently planning more events and projects for the year ahead and we are encouraging all businesses in the town to the display the Purple Flag logo on their websites and on their email signatures.

“This is a hugely important accreditation for our town.”

Read more in the Wexford Echo.