Killaloe reforms tidy towns group and calls for volunteers

THE long term ambition of a new Killaloe Tidy Towns committee is to enter the annual national competition in the coming years.

In view of the great work being completed in recent years by Ballina Tidy Towns across the bridge, the return of a Tidy Towns committee in Killaloe will be welcomed by locals and businesses.

It is understood the last Killaloe Tidy Towns committee operated in 2014, and its absence has been a talking point for such a picturesque heritage town with numerous tourist attractions.

The new committee includes Eddie O’Gorman, Councillor Tony O’Brien, Ger and Carmel Manning, Bobby Reynolds and Ger Ahern, who was involved in Kildare Tidy Towns committee.

It will work in co-operation with the Killaloe Enhancement Group, which has completed several major clean-ups throughout the town and the new Killaloe Community Council.

Initially, the new committee will meet once a fortnight, but meetings may happen more frequently if this is deemed necessary.

Mr O’Gorman told the Clare Champion the new committee would like to liaise with Ballina Tidy Towns committee to work jointly on projects that impact on the twin towns such as maintaining Killaloe Bridge.

Using the resources of the Killaloe Enhancement Group, Mr O’Gorman said they will try and secure help from as many people as possible to undertake big clean-up jobs so work is not left to a small number of volunteers.

“We would like to clean and expose the stone walls in Killaloe. Killaloe is made of stone walls. If we could clean them up and tackle verges, then we could look at our flower beds and pots.

“People who have different interests are welcome to come and support us. If someone can even spare 30 minutes to do a bit of work, this will be welcome.

“No one will be asking anyone to do ten hours a week. If everyone looks after an area, it would make a big difference. We hope to enter the national competition in the next two or three years. That is the long term goal.

“Once we start our work we will be using the Tidy Towns’ template as a basis for what work and projects should be completed.

“Every person may not be good with a brush and a shovel. People with information technology skills would be greatly appreciated. There will be a spot for everyone. Artists would be welcome as we are hoping to do an arts trail.

“We can see what volunteers have achieved in Ennis, Mountshannon and Birdhill, who have completed great work.

“All these locations look very well because Tidy Towns is taken very seriously. Killaloe has a big population for a relatively small town so we are hopeful this will work out,” he said.

Working under the umbrella of Killaloe Community Council, he said this new body will help the Tidy Towns committee to source grant funding and to work in association with agencies such as Clare County Council.

He said Pat McLeish has done a great job maintaining St Lua’s Villas while residents in Millstream keep the place spotless.

Lorraine Power from CLDC/SEAI provided the committee with an information briefing on sustainable energy.

Anyone who would like to help the committee can contact Mr O’Gorman on 086 8461959.