Tidy Towns Competition 2022
Fáilte chuig Comórtas Na mBailte Slachtmhara Super Valu don bhliain 2022. Táimid buíoch daoibh as ucht na hiontrála a chur chugainn, agus guimíd gach rath ar bhúr gcuid oibre amach anseo.
Your entry form was packed full of initiatives and activities to help strengthen and bond your community – not a wonder there is such pride in Ardclough. Special mention must be given to your volunteers – how nice to see the many pictures of numerous volunteers in action.
Your adjudicator was particularly impressed with your listed ‘major project’ that you were asked to outline in your entry form. You highlighted that you’ve got a Communications Group in place now. This is important as it promotes the work of existing volunteers, encourages new volunteers and shows that you’re open and transparent about your work. It would be good to try and increase the number of followers on your social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram. But you have high numbers on your What’s app Group. Be careful with permissions to share numbers on this, check out your GDPR. Links to short videos provided were clicked on, and videos were enjoyed, so thanks for these.
The length of your submission (100+ pages) meant we were not able to read every project listed in detail, but pictures provided gave a great flavour of your work. We loved reading about your ‘Identity Tapestry’ where your Youth Theatre completed work based on life experiences and feelings. It was opportune to capture this coming out of the tight Covid lockdowns. The Youth Theatres other project ‘Community’, allowed for reflection of the values of a community and how this can be supported.
Streetscape & Public Places / Sráid-Dreach & Áiteanna Poiblí:
The new school is a lovely building and it’s great to see the cycle lanes running right to the door. Do you run cycling proficiency classes? The school buildings and grounds were further enhanced by the murals on the walls and the attractive planters at the edge of the pavement. Though closed, the welcome garden and mini woodland created here was noted and appreciated.
The modern-designed chapel was nicely set in grounds with many mature trees. The post-box needs a little attention as it was quite rusty. The cafe is a good example of how an old building can be successfully converted into a new use. Sadly, we didn’t have time to enjoy the exhibition here, but the tea-brack was good!
Congratulations to Ardclough TidyTowns on organising events every year during Heritage Week, and fair play to attendees venturing out in all weathers. The proposed music and dance event for next year sounds great.
The GAA grounds were nicely managed, bordered by lovely trees and hedgerows, as well as nice, raised flower beds edging the car park. Flags were flying proudly at the entrance. It was good to see here that recycling banks have been provided here for the community. Likewise the installation of push button taps in the toilets helps conserve water. Congratulations on the development plans for here.
The GAA grounds were nicely managed, bordered by lovely trees and hedgerows, as well as nice, raised flower beds edging the car park. Flags were flying proudly at the entrance. It was good to see here that recycling banks have been provided here for the community. Likewise the installation of push button taps in the toilets helps conserve water. Congratulations on the development plans for here.
Green Spaces and Landscaping / Spásanna Glasa agus Tírdhreachú:
The monument to the 10 Kings of Leinster inaugurated nearby on Lyons Hill was admired. How nice to learn about the history of the area and the origin of the name Ardclough. This landscaping feature was nicely positioned on the elevated site separating and sheltering the village from the passing road. New wildlife-friendly plants were admired in planters – but perhaps replace the cordylines here as these non-native plants are not great for wildlife.
You are working on two separate graveyards of huge historical significance – Oughterard and Whitechurch. The recently published leaflet from the Heritage Council provides some top tips for caring at such sites. https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/Top-Tips-for-Caring-for-Historic-Graveyards.pdf
Construction works provided the opportunity to plant oak, wild cherry, guelder rose, spindle, hazel, and holly to create new hedges, and to fill gaps in existing hedges.
Nature and Biodiversity in your Locality / An Dúlra agus an Bhithéagsúlacht i do cheantar:
Well done on organising the Biodiversity Family Day, and for the gardening classes offered. This was one of actions listed in your Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Congratulations on getting funding for this work and advancing many of the proposed actions. To date over 60 species of native birds have been recorded locally.
What a gorgeous amenity you have by the Grand Canal, and Arthur’s Way. Keep planting here quite natural – most motorists and cyclists here are too concerned about navigating over the humpback bridge to appreciate your work! It was good to read about the local wildlife. Your adjudicator saw the sign about mandarin ducks in the area. These colourful ducks are not native to Ireland and would have escaped from a private collection. This author is not aware of any issues to native wildlife with their establishment in the wild.
The wildlife garden is a lovely place to enjoy a coffee – not a wonder quite a few passing cyclists were resting here. The garden hosted the first solitary bee nest this adjudicator has seen. The inspection hatch was opened to look at the inhabitants – no bees but quite a few insects. Maybe next year advise us on how successful this was in attracting bees?
Special mention to three local volunteers who have shared their knowledge and encouraged action for wildlife: Dr Paddy Madden, Meabh Boyland and Brian McElvaney.
Sustainability – Doing more with less / Inmharthanacht – Mórán ar an mbeagán:
Well done to the cafe for giving a reduction for customers using their own cups. Another notable item on sustainability was the installation of the bike stand and bike pumps at the cafe. These permanently installed pumps and bike tools will encourage many more cyclists to stop and service or adjust their bikes as needed.
Teaching children to make home-made butter is impressive and hopefully it tasted great with their home cooked scones. All of which are important to help understanding on food miles and increase understanding of food provenance to allow for informed shopping.
You have advanced different actions in this category of the competition such as recycling 267 pairs of eyeglasses. How do your actions fit with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to which we are committed to support?
Tidiness and Litter Control / Slachtmhaireacht agus Rialú Bruscair:
Special thanks to the newly formed Junior Tidy Towns committee for their hard work and endeavors since they were formed in Spring this year. Many have helped with the Green KM works also.
Two redundant roadside poles were observed without any signs on them. If they’re not needed, they should be removed. A couple of small pieces of litter were observed but no doubt that they would be quickly picked up.
Cable ties on some of the telegraph posts have been used to fasten electrical wires. However they’re not trimmed and look quite untidy. This was a poorly executed piece of work by the electrical contractor.
Residential Streets & Housing Areas / Sráideanna Cónaithe & Ceantair Tithíochta:
Homes in Ardclough were nicely presented. There were lovely new homes in the new housing estate beside the school. However, there was no obvious sign of solar panels which was surprising. There was some nice planting in this estate but do watch the spraying of weed killer, which was quite abundant in some areas, and not necessary.
Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes / Bóithre Isteach, Sráideanna & Lánaí:
Entering Ardclough from the East there is lovely long, lay-by full of trees which really helps mark a sense of place. Floral under-planting of the name sign consists of many annuals few of which would be of benefit to wildlife and pollinators. So perhaps it might like to consider some plants here that could still provide the same splash of colour. There’s some great information available from the website http://www.polllinators.ie The installation of the new bi-lingual name signs will be an ideal opportunity to replant here.
Floral under-planting of the name sign consists of many annuals few of which would be of benefit to wildlife and pollinators. So perhaps it might like to consider some plants here that could still provide the same splash of colour. There’s some great information available from the website http://www.polllinators.ie The installation of the new bi-lingual name signs will be an ideal opportunity to replant here.
Concluding Remarks:
Your entry is packed with a wide range of actions achieved by the community of Ardclough. You have a strong understanding of the competition and have advanced far during your 16 years involved with TidyTowns. Congratulations to your many volunteers on your achievements. What a lovely community to explore and adjudicate – thank you.
Ardclough Community Council 