The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
ENNIS took 355 marks from a possible 470 en route to being named Ireland’s Tidiest Town.
One of the adjudicators of Ennis praised the level of participation in Tidy Towns in Ennis. “A core committee of 20 is a strong team and doubtless you have a strong ‘bench’ too as you can boast 100 volunteers behind your many initiatives.”
They added, “It’s impressive to read the range of supporting organisations. This isn’t limited to environmental or residential groups (although these are in there indeed) but also include groups where social inclusion and justice are core aims. Inclusivity is increasingly important in modern Ireland and we are cheered to see the involvement of our ‘newer’ citizens as well as older volunteers “
There was also praise for the streetscapes and public places of the town. “Those banners for the railway station look gorgeous. It is hoped that these will look just as good in place. The Lanes & Bows regeneration will have huge impact on your streetscape. The artistic rendition of this looks superb too. Redundant tree guards become vertical planters, manholes and drain covers are now works of art – really great work here in combining the aesthetic with the functional, Ennis! It’s good to see the benches back and the bins slimmed. This adjudicator will admit to never having known the word Parklet before, but it’s likely that these will be more common in a post-Covid world.”
There was also praise for litter control efforts in Ennis. “This category was eagerly anticipated by this adjudicator, your previous submissions having been so strong. Indeed, it was worth waiting for as you’ve some really outstanding work achieved here, including three ‘Flagship’ projects. We’re very impressed with the Gumdrop Bins – the adjudicator admits never to have seeing one.”
A second adjudicator was also very impressed. “It is always a delight to visit Ennis and having reviewed all of the material provided and being given the opportunity to walk your streets and lanes, I fully concur with the comments given by the first Adjudicator. You are to be commended for your willingness to share information with other groups which will no doubt benefit the competition going forward. Congratulations to all involved on your excellent entry.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
