The Durrow Development Forum (DDF) are launching Positively Durrow 2010, next Thursday, January 28 in the Castle Arms Hotel.

Over the last few years, Durrow has developed into a vibrant town with a massive community spirit. The forum is a voluntary community group dedicated to the physical, environmental, economic, social and cultural enhancement of Durrow and now they are presenting their plans for 2010 and beyond to the rest of the town.

"2010 is a time for change for a lot of people and Durrow is moving with the flow," said Chairman, Hugh Sheppard. "Positively Durrow is open to everybody with an interest in Durrow," he said.

Over the last few years, Durrow has become famous for its festivals.

In 2008, Durrow celebrated it's tri-centenary. A year long festival of events was held to mark 300 years of the design and layout of Durrow. From 18th Century themed balls to themed parades, and a revival of the Welcome Home Festival, Durrow celebrated in style.

That year, also seen the town's first ever Arts Festival, which was held again last year. Both years, the town played host to a range of arts activities from painting exhibitions, comedy shows, music and book launches as well as adult and children workshops.

In 2009 the community sucessfully held a festival of friendship called. The Howya Festival. A world handshake record was set at last year's event.

Mr Sheppard continued: "The wheels are already in motion planning for next year, and we will make presentation on this year's upcoming festivals including Ireland's Only Non-Motorised Parade on St Patrick's Day."

Presentations will be made on plans to upgrade the Square, the refurbishment of the Community Centre, an Architectural Heritage Survey of the town.

"We will also be launching the new Durrowvillage.com website...We have been working in the background for a long time and now we want to bring these plans forward to the rest of the town

"We will be encouraging more people to get involved with the "Hour and a Half Gang" and their efforts to clean up Durrow," Mr Sheppard said.

Details of Coillte's life site plans to develop local woodlands and encourage the development of more wildlife in the woods.

The Durrow Community Endeavour Award will also be presented on January 28.

"This award was established in 2008 during the tri-centenary year," Mr Sheppard explained. "That year the business with the best window display received the award, but now we have extended it to people or groups who have made an outstanding contribution to positively promoting the area."

Derrywood Estate, which was awarded the best kept private housing estate for the third year in a row, will also be honoured later this month.

"This will be a very busy night with a lot about our town for 2010 and the years to come," Mr Sheppard added.