Tag Archives: Tidy Towns

VOLUNTEERS who cleaned up a well known Clare landmark were shocked to discover that just hours later bags of rubbish were dumped again. Clarecastle Tidy Towns volunteers have been striving to keep Clareabbey litter free, however a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard this week that their efforts have been undermined by illegal dumping. Calls are being made by Ennis councillors for the introduction of CCTV in locations where fly-tipping and illegal dumping have become an issue. Councillor Paul Murphy praised the work of the Clarecastle volunteers, saying he believes that CCTV could act as a deterrent against dumping rubbish. The issue of littering was highlighted at the meeting by Councillor Ann Norton who pointed out that illegal dumping “is a crime” which can result in fines or being brought to court. She stressed the importance of ‘no dumping’ signs as a visible reminder and asked for a review of the number of signs on roads, and that the …

A COMPLAINT about the positioning of the Christmas lights on Tulla’s Main Street has led to them being removed by the ESB. The move has caused great disappointment, after the local Tidy Towns group invested time and money installing the lights in the same position they have been in for a decade. Local man Brendan Worsfold, a retired Tidy Towns volunteer, was among those to express dismay at the situation, suggesting that a ‘Grinch’ had put a damper on the festive season. “This is part of an annual display which has been going on for years and added to with new decorations each year,” he said. “It adds to the festive season and brightens up a dull winter. The lights have been going up like this for ten or more years and there has never been a problem.” Mr Worsfold said the ESB has seemed “very apologetic” about the situation, but explained they had to act on the complaint. Tim …

HUGE community efforts across the Killaloe Municipal District have resulted in increased marks for all participants in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition.  Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan said it was wonderful to see local communities putting so much work into their local areas. “On the back of Covid, many groups were down in funds, so it’s great to see them taking on the challenge again and actually upping their game. Without dedicated Tidy Towns committees across the district, the Council would just not be in a position to maintain the same levels of tidiness. It’s particularly good to see newcomers joining committees and brining in fresh ideas and approaches.” Councillor O’Callaghan, who said he had supported Tidy Towns activities through his General Municipal Allocation (GMA), also welcomed the contribution of local groups to biodiversity. “Once upon a time, the big focus was on cutting everything and making it look orderly. Now, there’s a fresh focus on leaving certain areas to grow wild …

TIDY Towns groups need more clarity on their annual budgets, according to Ennis area councillor, Paul Murphy.  The Clarecastle man raised the matter at the May meeting of Clare County Council, when he asked the executive to bring the deadline forward for applications to Community Support Schemes (CSS). His motion said that earlier deadlines would “help facilitate the invaluable work that community groups are doing in towns and villages across County Clare”. He added that the move would benefit Tidy Towns organisations who are currently unaware of what support they are getting this year. This year’s mid-May deadline, he said, makes it very difficult to plan for the year ahead.  Addressing the meeting, Councillor Murphy said he wanted to speak up for Tidy Towns groups. “They are very reliant on these grants,” he said. “They find it hard to develop a work plan until they know what their budget is going to be.” The motion was seconded by Mayor of …

EFFORTS being made by a group of volunteers to maintain the Ballymaley roundabout are in the weeds, with the local authority been urged to step in and help. Mayor of Ennis Councillor Ann Norton urged at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District that the council look after the maintenance and grass cutting at the roundabout following representations from a number of people. Tommy Scott, Senior Executive Technician, responded, “The top of the roundabout is maintained as a Biodiversity meadow. The crop will now be cut and removed. Grass cutting has finished for the season and will recommence in April. “The grass cutting on the Ballymaley roundabout is carried out in a similar manner to the roundabouts on the N85 where the grass is permitted to grow and become a wild flower meadow in line with good biodiversity practices. This is part of the Tidy Town’s biodiversity programme.” Councillor Norton thanked Mr Scott for the response, stating that she appreciates …

THE Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor PJ Ryan, and the Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Ann Norton, have welcomed the news that Ennis has been named Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2021 and commended all those involved in achieving the prestigious accolade. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced the win at a ceremony in the RDS, Dublin last week. Ennis was judged to be the best from 847 entries to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, which has been in existence since 1958. Ennis first entered the competition in 1959 and has won the competition on one occasion previously, in 2005. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor PJ Ryan, said the award reflects the collaborative approach taken by the local community and business sectors in Ennis, and said the local authority is delighted to partner with Clare’s community group. “I want to acknowledge the year-round work that is done by Ennis Tidy Towns and commend them on achieving …

Ennis Tidy Towns chairman pays tribute to volunteer spirit of diverse set of partners ENNIS cleaned up at this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns awards taking home the overall title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2021. “We are over the moon. This is the first time in 16 years, and only the second time since the competition started that we have brought the prize back to Ennis,” Ennis Tidy Towns chairman Cormac McCarthy told the Clare Champion after the announcement. “This is a testament not only to our volunteers, and we have a wonderful committee, but we very much accepted the award on behalf of the entire town. “Our submission every year is peppered with projects that Ennis Tidy Towns partner with other groups on. Then there is the wonderful landscaping around the town and how clean the streets are kept by the council staff. “We partner with Macra na Feirme, Ennis Sub-Aqua Club, the Brothers of Charity, HSE Dulick centre, schools, …

A CALL is being made for a civic reception to be held in honour of the Ennis Tidy Towns committee following their “monumental achievement” in being named Ireland’s Tidiest Town. Clare Fine Gael TD, Deputy Joe Carey, said, “This is a monumental achievement, and the hard-working volunteers deserve huge credit for their work this year and indeed over many, many years,” he added. He believes that Clare County Council should mark the achievement by hosting a Civic Reception in recognition of the work of many volunteers, throughout the years. “I am calling on Clare County Council to hold a civic reception for the volunteers who have selflessly given their time freely over the years. “This news is a huge boost to Ennis and an example to all of us around Clare as to what can be achieved through hard work and persistence. Their success is even more impressive in light of the pandemic and the challenges that has brought,” Deputy …