ALCI reveals inaugural Best PAL Award winners 2025
The Professional Accredited Awards recognise the highest standards of landscaping of green spaces in the country and they highlight the importance of sustainable green infrastructure
Print13 May 2025
Green spaces across Ireland get their moment in the spotlight as the ALCI reveals winners of the new prestigious 2025 Best PAL Awards, honouring excellence in world class, sustainable and stunning landscape construction.
ALCI, the Irish representative body for professional landscape contractors, recently launched the new Best Pal Awards.
The Professional Accredited Awards (PAL) recognise the highest standards of landscaping of green spaces in the country and they highlight the importance of sustainable green infrastructure for our mental and physical well-being.
Photograph: Patrick Browne
Gary Graham, association manager announced details of 36 Awards and several special awards for nature friendly landscapes, best employers, best private garden, best commercial green space development and a slew of other awards including Rising Star and meticulous maintenance contracts.
Graham said: “These awards showcase the range of skills and knowledge that Ireland’s top landscape contractors bring to our green spaces. Our green infrastructure has never been more important as we recognise its role in supporting our wellbeing, providing habitats and food for wildlife and making our homes, schools, and workplaces green and pleasant places for humans.”
Top industry expert Peter O’Toole and landscape architect Gwen Tierney judged the awards.
HR and training experts Tommie Ryan and Ashling Ward assessed the Excellent Employer and Rising Star Awards
Special Awards
In addition to the hard-won awards several special awards were announced:
- Best Private Garden Construction: Greenstone Landscapes for a client in Killiney, Dublin
- Best Nature-Friendly Landscape: Radharc Landscaping for Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd., in Galway
- Best Commercial Development: O’Brien Landscaping for ESB HQ, Fitzwilliam Sq, Dublin
- Best Commercial Maintenance: SAP Landscapes for Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin
- Rising Star: Darren Dowling, Redlough Landscapes, Dublin. Darren wins the inaugural award for the most promising up-and-coming talent in the landscape sector
Importance of Professional Accredited Landscapes (PALs)
The Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) was founded in 1971 to represent the developing landscape sector.
Pictured are Dane Miller and Christian Hayes of Alpha Garden with Tommie Ryan Judge (centre). Photograph: Patrick Browne: Patrick Browne
From its inception, it has endeavoured to improve quality and standards in the landscape industry.
ALCI members have adopted a strict Code of Conduct which requires them to conduct their businesses to the highest professional standards
The Irish landscape construction and maintenance sector is valued at close to €1 billion euro encompassing private gardens, commercial and public realm green space, sports, amenity and leisure facilities.
Professional landscape contracting is vitally important to maximise visual impact and long-term functionality.
Research has shown that enhanced kerbside appeal can result in a 17% increase in property values.
Trained professionals bring their knowledge of plants, soil, drainage, climate, and construction techniques to every project.
This ensures high-quality, long-lasting work that meets professional industry standards. ALCI members often use pollinator-friendly plants and environmentally friendly processes and equipment that are sensitive to local ecosystems
The 13 member companies who participated in the awards are Alpha Garden, Avondale Landscapes, Gardens Forever, Green Ideas Landscaping, Greenstone Landscapes, Sublime Landscaping, KHS Landscaping, Lotus Landscape Design, O’Brien Landscaping, Radharc Landscaping, Redlough Landscapes, SAP Landscapes, Silverstream Landscapes
Photos of award-winning projects and award recipients are available upon request.
To learn more about the PAL Awards or ALCI’s membership, visit www.alci.ie or contact Gary Graham at gary@alci.ie
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