results2015

Community Involvement & Planning / Rannpháirtíocht an Phobail & Pleanáil

Carrigtwohill is most welcome to the 2015 SuperValu Tidy Towns competition.  Thank you for your application, map, copy of your plan and supporting documentation.  You have a good size committee and are fortunate to have the assistance of three TUS workers. The committee meets regularly and are   involved with the residents association who maintain their own estates.  Running a best estate competition would give the residents encouragement and recognition for the work that they do.  You engage well with all the relevant agencies and businesses and your communication through social media or local newsletter, ensures that word of your activities is circulated out to the wider community. The schools are commended on their green flag status and it is good that the committee and schools have a strong working relationship.  You can both share the knowledge the schools have achieved in obtaining their green flags.  This information will certainly help in the litter and waste categories. The girls from transition year are to be commended on developing the “Back to Basics” board game and going on to win first prize in the “One Good Idea” competition.  Hopefully it will be appearing in shops across the country before long.  Your participation in the competition is important to the Tidy Towns unit. It is positive to note that it has contributed to the community working together, bringing new residents on board, giving them a sense of pride and working in unity to develop and enhance the town.

Built Environment and Streetscape / An Timpeallacht Thógtha agus Sráid-dreacha:

Many fine buildings with attractive landscaping were noted.  The Castle entrance was admired. The Castle Bar and Bloomsday stood bright and colourful along the streetscape.  The Community Centre was busy with people coming and going.   The Millennium Park was also busy and what a fine amenity this is for the community.  It offers all types of recreation strenuous and not so strenuous. The children’s play area was also part of this superb amenity.  The green area with the orchard and wild flowers makes a lovely entrance to the town.  The Church was also visited and admired so too was the park across with nice containers.  Your treatment of unoccupied houses looked bright and colourful from the painting of murals.

Landscaping and Open Spaces / Tírdhreachú agus Spásanna Oscailte:

Many fine areas of landscaping were admired through the town. The orchard and wild flowers were admired. The trees here need attention such as staking. The housing estates all had splendid landscaping at entrances. Castleview estate shrubbery needs to be cut back a little. The box hedging at Barryscourt was admired. The tree planters along the street looked attractive. There are many more that caught the eye. Your landscaping is commended as it contains year round seasonal colour which is recommended.

Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities / Fiadhúlra, Gnáthóga agus Taitneamhachtaí Nádúrtha

There is an abundance of wildlife habitats in the surroundings of the town.  The planting of native trees and shrubs which attract wildlife is also commended.  The orchard and wildflower planting also encourages wildlife.  The next important step is to celebrate and raise awareness of the species and habitats in the local area.  Hosting of events is recommended such as a Bat talk or a talk on wildflowers.  Heritage week should be celebrated each year by hosting such an event.  The community will be aware of all the natural amenities and wildlife habitats in their midst if they are encouraged to get involved and celebrate them.

Sustainable Waste and Resource Management / Bainistiú Acmhainní agus Dramhaíola Inbhuanaithe:

Well done on all your activities in this section.  You are making progress in this category.  Working with the green schools is a positive way to encourage more efficiency of resources such as harvesting of rainwater, cycling and walking to school for parents and children. You state you have registered with An Taisce Green Home scheme.  Has there been any feedback from the members that have joined?  A number of homes need to register and look how they can save and how much they can save.  It is about educating the community on ways to reduce the amount of waste in the community.  Growing your own vegetables cuts down on packaging.  You are doing well so continue to think beyond recycling

Tidiness and Litter Control / Slachtmhaireacht agus Rialú Bruscair:

Well done on all the work that has been completed for this category.  The murals on the unoccupied houses brighten up this area.    The Bring Bank was tidy but the road surface here needs attention. There is also some signage in need of attention such as the directional sign to Cork needs cleaning. The stop sign and bus sign also needs attention.  Dog fouling signs were noted and it is hoped that the community pay attention when out dog walking. Well done on your plan of action in regards to litter control and how you address the issue.  Taking part in the National Clean up days and the County anti-litter campaign are all ways of creating awareness among the wider community on the importance of litter control.

Residential Streets & Housing Areas / Sráideanna Cónaithe & Ceantair Tithíochta:

You are fortunate to have such dedicated residents taking care of their own estates.  They are doing good work with support from the Tidy Towns committee.  Well done to Ahern and Ryan terrace on the work building their external limestone wall and been awarded in the “pride in our community” competition.  The estates are all superbly landscaped.  The houses along the streetscape are also well presented; in particular houses opposite Nutmeg and Master Chef were admired.  The play area is also well maintained and was bustling with activity on the day of adjudication.

Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes / Bóithre Isteach, Sráideanna & Lánaí:

Carrigtwohill has impressive stone signs welcoming visitors to this splendid town giving a good first impression as you enter.  The grass verges were neat with colourful landscaping.  The roundabouts are also very well landscaped.  Barryscourt roundabout with signs in the centre of box hedging was admired.  The Bus stop opposite the orchard and wild flower area could do with a bus shelter. Road surfaces are generally good and traffic was flowing freely.  All gates on approach roads should be painted and if possible painted a uniform colour.

Concluding Remarks:

Carrigtwohill was a pleasure to visit and adjudicate.  Barryscourt Castle is an excellent amenity for the community.  Millennium Park is also a superb amenity for all the community to enjoy.  You are wished continued success in the competition