Tidy Towns

2003

2002

2003 Results

Caring for our Environment

Category B

Comments

Overall Development Approach:

Thank you for your detailed and informative submission. You have done well for a committee of 10 people. You should still consider a more comprehensive 3/5 year plan. This would provide a working plan and could be carried out on a phased basis. Such a plan should have the approval and most of all the active commitment of the community. Now that the village is expanding its population you will have an opportunity to recruit more members to your group. If people are invited to participate they will respond favourably.

The Built Environment:

You have some very attractive buildings in the village centre and the old school is now a valuable resource. The church is still in need of landscaping. The buildings mentioned last year look well and Griffins is very well presented, with a good display of flowers in the environs. The old petrol pump is now an eyesore. The buildings around the landscaped area are attractive and the variety of colour here should be maintained.

Landscaping:

Again the village core is very well landscaped and presented to a high standard. The grotto provides a very good introduction to the village and it has a good selection of flowers and shrubs. The many pockets of well landscaped open spaces are adding to the standard of the village and you should continue this policy, provided you are not neglecting previous developments. Well done to all the residents and commercial operators who display window boxes and hanging baskets. The new rose bed planting on the approach from Kildysart is attractive an there is a good display of grass cutting here also.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities:

The river continues to offer you potential for promoting wildlife. You should pick out an appropriate river bank location and mount a display board that would illustrate the prevalent wildlife in the area.

Litter Control:

The litter control is good and bins seem adequate in numbers throughout the village. The recycling depot at the old school is well located and well presented.

Tidiness:

You have improved in this category and the village, apart from some dereliction was quite tidy on adjudication day. Tidiness extends to approach roads and the presentation of open spaces.

Residential Areas:

The new housing scheme offers you scope for improvement and residents should be encouraged to join in the spirit of the Tidy Towns. The existing housing estate needs a bilingual sign and some of the boundary walls needs painting. In general residents are playing their part in keeping your marks up. Some excel in presentation and this is praiseworthy. The broken wall opposite An Post needs repair.

Roads, Streets & Back Areas:

Footpaths are good in and around the village and the road structure is generally good. Kilchreest Cemetery is well presented. The Cranny approach is poor and needs the grass trimmed. New developments should reflect the total character of the village. The houses opposite the school are well presented but the school mural now needs refurbishment.

General Impression:

The village was well presented and the treatment of the green square is unusual. Continue with a policy of strong colours – extending to farm gates and other traditional features. Good luck for 2004.

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2002 Results

Caring for our Environment

Category B

Comments

Overall Developmental Approach

Thank you for submission outlining work on han and your plans for the future.  The illustrated sketch map proved very helpful on adjudication day.  You now need a more detailed plan that would outline a programme of works for the next few years.  Such a plan should have the support and commitment of the community.  Most of the infrastructural requirements relate to small projects that will need private and public co-operation. 

The Built Environment

The planned renovation of the church is good news.  In this plan you should include the landscaping of the area between the church and the road.  This development will offer you a good opportunity to match the internal development with outside landscaping.  The school is again presented to a high standard, together with other buildings e.g. Credit Union, Old School, Community Hall. 

Landscaping

This is your strong point and the plethora of attractive flower and shrub displays create a great degree of attractive colour.   All of this great work is most commendable and reflects favourably on community spirit.  The village green is excellent and well laid out.  Both approved roads have fairly large green areas well presented.  The abundance of  flower displays, hanging baskets and well kept private gardens also enhance your markings in this section

Wildlife and Natural Amenities

You have great opportunity to earn valuable marks in this section.  The presence of the fast flowing river is an advantage not shared by other centres.  Already your shrubberies are contributing to wildlife.  You might consider contacting your local I.W.C. officer – this might lead to an erection of an illustrated display board featuring the popular and prevalent wildlife of the area. 

Litter Control

Litter Control is good and the streets were generally without litter.  The litter bin at the community hall was overflowing on adjudication day.  

Tidiness

Your  problems here relate to a number of derelict and unoccupied premises in need of attention.  The abandoned car at the community centre should be removed.  Candy Capers sign is out of place and should be replaced.  The adjacent small garden is excellent. 

Residential Areas

The local authority houses on the Ennis approach are well presented, although some boundary walls would benefit from painting.  In general the standard of housing  and presentation is very good.  On the approach from Kildysart some walls are broken and need attention.  Shannon View Cottage is a gem.  Farm gates can be quite attractive if painted a strong colour – some have gone rusty and should be tackled for next year. 

Roads, Streets and Back Areas

Road surface is good but the surface in the forecourt of the G.A.A. Park should be improved.  The Grotto is attractive but St. Martin’s Shrine is a disappointment.  The concrete path at the shrine is dangerous.  The Ennis approach is very good and in advance of the village sign there is a well presented stone wall on both sides if the road built in the true traditional style and worthy of careful maintenance. 

General Impression

An excellent display once again by Ballynacally.  The tree planting and other  landscaping of previous years continue to improve the appearance of the village.  The village has some attractive traditional features and also recognises its historic and cultural roots.  The implementation of a phased plan will further improve your village and raise your marks.  Good luck for 2003

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