The Killarney Park and The Ross has been named the Overall Winner at the Pakman Awards 2023 for its outstanding work helping Ireland increase its waste recycling rates.

The community-led Coffee Cup Project was also awarded the Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative Award

Pictured at the 2023 Pakman Awards are from left Killian Tracey local independent bar owner Louise Byrne Sustainability Manager and Ciara Treacy Hotel Manager from The Killarney Park and The Ross which won the top prize the Overall Pakman award at the 2023 Pakman Awards. Photo: Naoise Culhane

Pictured at the 2023 Pakman Awards are from left Killian Tracey local independent bar owner Louise Byrne Sustainability Manager and Ciara Treacy Hotel Manager from The Killarney Park and The Ross which won the top prize the Overall Pakman award at the 2023 Pakman Awards. Photo: Naoise Culhane

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The Killarney Park and The Ross set up the grassroots project called The Killarney Coffee Cup Project with the goal of eliminating single use coffee cups from Killarney town centre. This initiative has resulted in the elimination of almost 70,000 cups. This project endeavours to change behaviours and perceptions towards single use items and strives to promote a beneficial transition to a circular economy. The initiative was also nominated for the Community Recycling Initiative Award and the Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services Award.

Repak’s Pakman Awards are held annually and celebrate Ireland’s recycling and waste management champions who lead the way in their commitments to sustainability and the environment. Winning a Pakman Award is one of the highest accolades an organisation, company, community group or individual can receive for their environmental and waste management efforts.

The 2023 Pakman awards, which took place on Thursday night at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, saw representatives from leading businesses and community groups come together to recognise excellence in recycling and waste management. All category winners on the night were automatically put forward for the Overall Pakman Award.

Another highlight from this year’s awards saw three charities and community organisations, Naas Lions Club, Laura Lynn Foundation, and Dublin Simon Community receive a €1,000 donation each. Charities were nominated by attendees and pulled from a charity draw on the night.

Speaking at the 2023 Pakman Awards, Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak said:
“We are delighted to celebrate an extraordinary group of environmental champions at the ninth annual Pakman Awards this evening. Each year, we continue to be inspired by the phenomenal efforts of those making a positive impact in waste management and mitigation procedures. Now, more than ever, it is important to champion sustainability, and tonight, our winners have truly shown us that the future is bright.

This year saw some of the highest quality entries we’ve ever had from companies, businesses, community groups and individuals, reflecting their commitment to help reach our future EU recycling targets and protect our planet for future generations.
The standard of this year’s entries was not only exceptional but serves as inspiration for others in how to deliver exemplary environmental practices. I would like to thank our sponsors, congratulate all the winners and finalists and extend a special congratulations to The Killarney Park and The Ross, the winner of the 2023 Overall Pakman Award.”