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Our new Eco bags - Sold OUT!
Click on the Junior Tidy Towns logo above to visit their site. http://www.jttmonaghan.com Regional Youth Award Winners 2015 and 2016 Winners National Climate Change Award 2016 Winners National Pollinator Award 2016 Notice Nature Award - Monaghan Town Highly Commended 2013 and 2014 More biodiversity signs being installed on the Greenway shortly. Pick up a paint brush! Check your boundary walls - do they need a lick of paint?? |
Our Biodiversity site - check it out
http://www.monaghantownbiodiversity.com Most recent TT National Report below 
Our heritage site
See our work on Sir Charles Gavan Duffy - born in Dublin Street 0ver 200 years ago. 
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Whats Happening?
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About us...
Welcome to our website which has been developed to keep people informed about our work on Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee. The purpose of this site is to provide a portal in which we can keep you up to date and offer a way for you to inform us of your ideas and help us all work together to keetogether for a better Monaghan.p Monaghan a great place to live, work and visit.
Monaghan Tidy Town Committee's aim is to work with the community to improve the environment in which we live. We would like to ask you to join us in whatever way you can. Explore a little further to see how you can get involved. Let's work
The assistance of our partners – Monaghan MD and County Council is invaluable. We appreciate the support of local businesses and individuals. Sponsorship and donations received are greatly appreciated and these funds continue to be utilized in the enhancement of our town. Without our sponsors and partners our work would be very much curtailed.
We want to promote sustainability, cooperation, best environmental standards, a clean town and have some fun too!
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
To empower local people - we are actively looking for enthusiatic people of all ages to come on board and help us plan our activities, participate in litter clean-ups, help us to communicate our message to the business community and to enlist the help of our schools to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built heritage around our town.
NEWS (some of our press releases...)
Monaghan Tidy Towns Promoting Urban Biodiversity
Monaghan Town has made huge strides in the National Tidy Towns competition over the last ten years, rising from being the straggler in county terms to third place behind Glaslough and Carrickmacross. With a number of special national awards including the Climate Change Award, Youth Awards and the first National Pollinator Award in 2016 as well as several bronze and silver medals in the bag, Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is now aiming for Gold.
The completion is a challenge for any large town, however Monaghan has been blessed by the quality of its volunteers, with two of them, Gerry Murdock and Alice Creagh having been awarded joint county Volunteers of the Year in 2018. Over the years too, children and young people involved in Junior Tidy Towns groups have made a very significant contribution, particularly in their local estates, Cluain Lorcain being a case in point. The youngsters in Teach na nDaoine have also distinguished themselves with their eco projects.
Collaboration with other groups in the town such as Solas, Monaghan Mental Health Association, Rehab, the National Learning Network, local businesses, residents committees, the council workers and of course the very supportive Men’s Shed has been vital for a committee dealing with a large town. The annual awards organised by the committee recognises all these as well as our indispensable “Litter Vigilantes” who work alone or in groups to wage war on litter throughout the town all year round.
Up until 2019 all Tidy Towns work was completely voluntary so the committee is now delighted to get support from the local CE scheme to supplement volunteers.
The committee has always been keen to learn from others and involvement in Monaghan Tidy Towns County Network has been invaluable. Tidy Towns groups are always eager to share information and project ideas and initial field trips to successful villages and towns in other counties and across the border have proved inspirational.
A habitat survey of the town over ten years ago found that Monaghan was a town rich in natural biodiversity. With two lakes, two rivers and a canal within its boundaries supplemented by wooded areas such as Tom Young’s Wood, the Greenway and of course Rossmore Park, the potential for the town to build on these strengths was obvious. Tidy Towns committees generally work on three year development plans and Monaghan Town’s most recent was highly praised by judges for its unique approach in making biodiversity central to all it does.
The committee has been very active in promoting biodiversity through events such as the annual Hug a Tree Day, Biodiversity Town Day and murals with a biodiversity theme, the most recent of which is the “Respect the Dandelion” mural by Joe Mallon on Dawson Street.
In the absence of judging this year there has been an opportunity to increase pollinator friendly and perennial planting in flower beds and containers and to begin the process of low mow in the town. The committee is grateful to the new council horticulturalist, Michael Carroll for his work and support as well as the council’s decision to sign up to the National Pollinator Plan.
Plans for more wildflower beds on approach roads and estates are also underway. Its not all about plants however. Our most recent project involves an upgrade of facades on Dublin Street and connected alleyways in an effort to make the street more attractive to consumers.
Although our annual awards are cancelled for this year we are judging gardens at the moment with a view to recognising the best and the most pollinator friendly nominees and we have also devised an acknowledgement award for the best presented businesses which will be distributed in the coming weeks.
As always new volunteers are always welcome and information is available on our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com
Monaghan TidyTowns eco shopping bags launched
Monaghan Tidy Towns has launched another new initiative as part of its sustainable living projects. The canvas eco shopping bag, which retails at its cost price of only €2, can replace the use of plastic shopping bags. The bag is part of Monaghan Tidy Towns’ Monaghan Zerowaste project which encourages people to reduce waste and particularly single use plastic waste while shopping.
The Local, situated on Glaslough Street is a not for profit social entrepreneur project with the aim of promoting food from local sources and producers. It also strives to be zero waste. The Local has refillable eco cleaning products, bulk organic nuts, seeds, grains and legumes. It has a daily delivery of freshly baked sourdough bread and traditional loaves from Matilas bakery in Carrickmacross which is packaging packaging free and of the highest quality.
More details on the Zerowaste project can be found on Monaghan Zerowaste on facebook and everyone is encouraged to join in in whatever way they can.
Monaghan Tidy Towns names the date for National Spring Clean 2019
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is calling on the community to get involved in this year’s National Spring Clean. The event is being organised for Saturday April 6th and individuals and local organisations in and around Monaghan Town are being asked to get involved.
“We’re encouraging people to come out and help clean up the town on April 6th. The annual National Spring Clean is a chance for everyone to get involved. Last year we re-launched our Litter Vigilante Campaign at the Spring Clean and many new volunteers got involved in the fight against litter across the town. We are always looking for more volunteers. The scourge of litter is, unfortunately, always with us and there are particular areas which are in need of constant monitoring and cleaning. Everyone can do their bit by joining in on April 6th. You may find it very rewarding and make a habit of it! “said Monaghan Tidy Towns’ Emer Brennan.
March 2019
Tidy Towns and Residents Committees Network AGM
The AGM of the County Monaghan Network of Tidy Towns and Residents Committees took place last week and saw Emer Brennan re-elected to the chair.The meeting welcomed new Council Environment Officer Moira Kelly to the meeting. Moira spoke on local initiatives and plans for a course of workshops on Stop Food Waste. There were compliments for all the assistance and hard work done by Nial O Connor with all the Tidy Towns and Green Schools groups over the years.The indispensable Carol Lambe gave a succinct but comprehensive run down on the Tidy Towns results for communities across the county. All those who entered the National competition had increased their marks with Glaslough of course winning the village’s category and Carrickmacross in the top three of the small towns. Monaghan Town had also retained it silver medal so 2018 was a good year for the county.Emer Brennan reflected on last year’s TidyTowns fieldtrip to Hillborough and Belfast which was so well attended. A great opportunity to learn from others as always. There was a decision to head to go cross border again (Brexit permitting) for 2019 with Banbridge and Carlingford in County Louth among the suggestions.The Tidy Towns Network is encouraging new entrants to get involved in the TidyTowns effort in 2019. Any community not already entering the national awards should get in touch with Emer Brennan at 086 3908504 or Carol Lambe in the council. There is support available for first time entrants or for communities returning after a gap of some years.
Monaghan Tidy Towns encourages the use of new water fountain to help tackle plastic waste
More fountains should be installed if demand proven says committee
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is encouraging the public to use the water fountain installed at the library on the North Road in a bid to tackle plastic waste.
In October 2018, the European Parliament voted to ban certain single-use plastics and under the proposed directive, items such as plastic straws, cotton swabs, disposable plastic plates and cutlery will be banned by 2021, and 90 per cent of plastic bottles will be recycled by 2025.
Tidy Towns’ Emer Brennan explained, “We are coming across an increasing amount of plastic on our litter picks. There is a huge problem with single use plastics including large numbers of water bottles. There is now, subsequent to David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II television series, a greater awareness of the extent of the problem with plastic. People are more aware and are starting to make an effort to change their lifestyles and reduce the use of single plastics”.
“We are encouraging people to use the fountain, which has a counter to record usage. Re-usable water bottles are available in several shops in the town including Flemings Supervalu nearby. Apparently they are now becoming quite fashionable across the world. If the fountain is successful there would be an argument for the installation of more fountains in the town and indeed across the county. As always, we would like to thank Monaghan County Council Environment section for their support with this and other projects,” she added.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Re-usable Coffee Cups Campaign
Monaghan Tidy Towns is encouraging local people to abandon single use coffee cups in favour of re-usable cups. A number of outlets across Monaghan town have made re-usable coffee cups available for the last number of months.
Customers using the cups get a discount of between 15 and 20c on their coffee when they use the re-usable coffee cup. Monaghan Tidy Towns thanks County Council Environment Officer Nial O’Connor for his help with this project.
Participating shops and restaurants include Neighbourhood, Cottontail Café, Missy A’s, Sam’s Bridge and The Hive.
“As disposable cups are made largely from paper many people believe they can be recycled, this is not the case. These cups are lined with plastic polyethylene which is fused to the paper making the cups waterproof but also difficult to recycle. Single use cups are contaminated by the drink they contain, which is another reason why they cannot be added to the bin of clean and dry recyclables.”
“As many as six single use coffee cups are disposed of every second in this country, which results in a lot of non-recyclable waste in the form of 528,000 single use cups every day. We have to reduce our dependency on these single use coffee cups,” explained Emer Brennan.
“We are appealing to people to consider using the ceramic cup in their favourite cafe or bring along a re-useable cup for their take away. Once the reusable cup has been used more than 15 times, it is more sustainable than a disposable cup.”
“It is worth noting that more than 1,000 cafés in Ireland are now giving a discount to consumers with a reusable cup so long term a reusable cup can make environmental and economic sense,” she said.
September 2018
There’s still time to nominate for Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards
There’s still time to make nominations to the annual awrds for Monaghan Tidy Towns.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said, “The response to our annual call for nominees and the standard of upkeep of properties in the town is good, however, we are certain that there are other properties and gardens around the town that deserve a nomination. Our awards have been on the go for thirteen years now and the standard in each category continues to grow. We firmly believe that these awards have been one of the foundation stones for our continued improvement in our Tidy Towns scores over the past ten years or more.”
“This year again, to ensure fairness, the awards will be judged by independent outsiders. Judging is about to commence so if you know of anyone who deserves a nomination please let us know as soon as possible. We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan.
The 2018 awards categories are
Best Estate:
Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Public Buildings
Window Display
Service Stations
Alleyways
Best Presented Town House,
Best Garden and Best Landscaping
Monaghan Tidy Towns are looking for Sponsorships.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee has decided to seek sponsors for a number of projects over the coming year. The decision was made as the committee believes that to compete at the highest level, a greater level of investment is required.
“We have done very well in recent years and we have climbed the rankings from a previous low level but now that we have been achieving medal status we know that we must up our game even further. A lot of good things are happening in and around the town that are very helpful, the giants in Rossmore Park are a case in point. The level of dereliction and vacant buildings have also been tackled and the council has been pro-active on this in recent years. However, there is still much more to be done,” explained Monaghan Tidy Towns’ Emer Brennan.
“There is always a range of projects and activities, big and small that are suitable for sponsorship and for which we will arrange the appropriate publicity. If any individual or business would be interested in getting involved they are welcome to contact us through our contact page on www.monaghantidytowns.com, by email to emerbrennan@eircom.net or by contacting 086 3908504 or any member of the committee,” she said.
August 2018
Eanna Ní Lamhna launches Monaghan Biodiversity Town Day at Killygoan
Monaghan Tidy Towns celebrates biodiversity in the community
Monaghan Tidy Towns first “Biodiversity Town Day” last Sunday was a major success with great interest from young and old in the projects on show. The event, organised to promote the idea of Monaghan as the nation’s first “Biodiversity Town” was based at the community allotments in Killygoan and launched by well-known biologist, environmental consultant, radio and television presenter Éanna Ní Lamhna.
Ms. Ní Lamhna had great praise for the work underway at the allotments in Monaghan. One of the best-known public figures in Ireland in the area of nature and the environment, and former president of both An Taisce and the Tree Council of Ireland, she explained that she regularly judges for allotments groups in Dublin and elsewhere but that she was deeply impressed by the unique biodiversity and wildlife-friendly character of the Killygoan site.
Introduced by Emer Brennan of Monaghan Tidy Towns, she was joined by local ecologist Billy Flynn, who gave a demonstration on how to sow wildflower seed. Michael O Hare assisted with a tour of the facility, explaining all the projects including the hedgehog haven, the herb wheel, the orchards and the woodland garden to name just a few. Vincent Kerins of Monaghan Beekeepers was there to explain about bee-keeping and Anne Kuehert explained the sowing of particular plants for “green manure” or natural fertiliser.
“This event was about promoting the existing biodiversity of the town environs and providing information on how we can all play a part in both preserving and enhancing it. There are hundreds of gardens, back-gardens and yards across the town that could be better used for biodiversity and people are interested in doing what they can. There is a much greater awareness that the bee population is in trouble and that is a grave concern for everyone. We have already had good buy-in from people involved in planting fruit trees across the town,” explained Emer Brennan.
“This year more people have taken on to plant pollinator friendly and perennial flowers for bees, ladybirds and butterflies and others have experimented with “low mow” regimes for their lawns. All of these actions have helped us to win several awards for biodiversity projects including the first TidyTowns National Pollinator Award in 2016. The community involved in the Killygoan allotments have been very biodiversity friendly in how they have developed the site with plenty of space for wildlife, orchards, native hedgerows and pollinator friendly planting. It proved an excellent site for this event. ”
“We are is always looking for ways to promote the concept of biodiversity in the community. Monaghan town is an urban area rich in biodiversity with rivers, lakes and a canal all within the town boundary. We also have the Ulster Canal Greenway and the developments at Rossmore Park. Biodiversity and climate friendly actions are now central to TidyTowns activities across the country. In Monaghan we want to promote the idea of Monaghan as the first “Biodiversity Town” and we hope this event will spread the word further and encourage more people to get involved.”
Monaghan Tree Trail Launched by Eanna Ní Lamhna
Monaghan Tidy Towns new “Arboretum” or tree trail was launched on Sunday last by environmentalist and Vice President of the Tree Council Eanna Ni Lamhna.
The trail features up on 30 different species of trees situated all around the town including on the grounds of St Davnet’s campus, Peter’s Lake, the Greenway, Killygoan and around the streets of the town. Every tree has an information plaque describing its features.
The trees include well known varieties such as oak and ash and rarer types such as Maidenhair and Tulip tree. A leaflet is available with a map of the town so that people can follow the 3km trail.
Monaghan Tidy Towns’ Emer Brennan said, “We are delighted with this tree trail and we are very grateful to Denis Flannery, Monaghan County Council Horticulturalist for the considerable amount of work that went into bringing this to fruition. We also thank members of Monaghan Men’s Shed for their help. Our trees support an incredible amount of wildlife and in recent years people have begun to appreciate how important they are for both our physical health in keeping our air clean and for our mental health as well. We hope that this tree trail will help educate us all a little bit more about the trees we have in Monaghan Town and how fortunate we are to have them.”
Eanna Ní Lamhna to launch Monaghan Biodiversity Town Day on 19th August
Monaghan Tidy Towns promotes Biodiversity in the community
A major “Biodiversity Day” event is coming up on Sunday August 19th to further promote the idea of Monaghan as the nation’s first “Biodiversity Town”. The event will be based at the community allotments in Killygoan and will feature biologist, environmental consultant, radio and television presenter Éanna Ní Lamhna. She is one of the best-known public figures in Ireland in the area of nature and the environment, and was listed as one of Ireland's "Influential 100" in 2012. A former president of the national environmental charity An Taisce and President of the Tree Council of Ireland from 2012 to 2014 she currently serves as its Public Relations Officer.
She will be joined by local ecologist Billy Flynn and members of Monaghan Tidy Towns committee in an event promoting the existing biodiversity of the town environs and providing information on how we can all play a part in both preserving and enhancing it.
Monaghan TidyTowns has won several awards for biodiversity projects including the TidyTowns National Pollinator Award in 2016. A three year development plan to address biodiversity in Monaghan was published last year and presented to Monaghan Municipal District by Emer Brennan and Billy Flynn in November last year.
Monaghan Tidy Towns has developed a wide range of biodiversity and pollinator friendly actions in recent years and one of their signature projects has been the introduction of a Dispersed Urban Orchard campaign, which has now sold over 200 discounted pollinator friendly apple, pear, and plum trees to the community.
Emer Brennan of TidyTowns Monaghan explained, “Monaghan Tidy Towns is always looking for ways to promote the concept of biodiversity in the community. Monaghan town is an urban area rich in biodiversity with rivers, lakes and a canal all within the town boundary. The Ulster Canal Greenway and the developments at Rossmore Park are also key. Biodiversity and climate friendly actions are now central to TidyTowns activities across the country. In Monaghan we want to promote the idea of Monaghan as the first “Biodiversity Town” and we hope this event will spread the word further and encourage more people to get involved.”
“The community involved in the Killygoan allotments have been very biodiversity friendly in how they have developed the site with plenty of space for wildlife, orchards, native hedgerows and pollinator friendly planting. Rainwater harvesting and other sustainable projects are also on show. It is an excellent site on which to promote biodiversity. We encourage everyone to come along for an hour or two,” she added.
The Monaghan Biodiversity Town Day will take place at 2pm at Monaghan Community Allotments in Killygoan, there will be refreshments and information talks and walks and everyone in the community is welcome.
July 2018
Monaghan TidyTowns Seek 2018 Awards Nominations
Monaghan TidyTowns Committee is seeking nominations for their annual awards, now in their thirteenth year. Monaghan TidyTowns’ Emer Brennan said “Our annual awards night is an event that continues to develop. As always the standard of business presentation is high, a fact frequently remarked upon by our adjudicators and as usual we have seen many business premises in the town repainted and updated again this year. Clean, freshly painted, well presented buildings are a foundation for TidyTowns success and we appreciate the effort businesses and residents make to keep the town looking well,” she said.
Monaghan Town has been climbing the rankings in the National Tidy Towns competition and won its first medal, a bronze, in 2014, followed by another in 2015 and rising to silver medal status in 2016 and 2017.
“Over the years we have added new categories to our awards in order to boost certain aspects of the town. We see housing estates as a potential area for gaining points in the national competition and we would welcome ideas and observations from residents on that,” she added.
“We are looking to build on our success so far and these local awards have played a big part in raising awareness and providing an incentive for local businesses and residents alike.”
“We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan through awards for Community Endeavour and Litter Vigilantes. You can nominate by text to 086 3908504 or email (emerbrennan@eircom.net) or by contacting any member of the committee. If you can send a photo that would be even more helpful. In fact committee members will be out with their cameras searching for the best gardens across the town,” she said.
“Please make sure to include details such as the name and address of the nominee. Anyone can make a nomination and you can even nominate yourself. Judging will take place over the next month and, to ensure fairness, will be done by independent outsiders, as in previous years.”
The 2018 awards categories are
Best Estate and Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Best Public Building
Best Window Display
Best Service Station
Best Alley
Community Endeavour / Tidy Towns Hero
Best Garden
and the Hall of Fame awards for those who have maintained consistently high standards in presentation over several years.
May 2018: Join Monaghan Tidy Towns in Making Monaghan Pollinator Friendly
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is organising a workshop on pollinators on Thursday May 10th next in the Westenra Hotel, Monaghan and anyone interested is welcome to come along to learn how we can all make our lawns, our town and our countryside a friendlier place for bees.
Ireland’s pollinators are threatened and one-third of our bees are at risk of extinction, and this workshop will introduce you to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and what you can do to save our bees.
Information from the Pollinator Plan from the National Biodiversity Centre will be presented by ecologist Billy Flynn and people with an interest in nature, gardening, Tidy Towns and the environment are welcome to come along.
DUO – The Dispersed Urban Orchard in Monaghan Town
There are still a few fruit t rees left of this year’s supply of plum, damson, pear and apple for those interested in planting them in their gardens or estates. Our DUO project has ensured a spread of fruit trees across the town of Monaghan to help our bees. This project helped Monaghan Tidy Towns win first “Lets Get Buzzing” National Pollinator Award in 2016. If you want to be part of it contact us at emerbrennan@eircom.net or through our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com.
Volunteers Need to go “Bee-friendly” with lawns and gardens!
Monaghan Tidy Towns is looking for people to go Bee-friendly with their lawns and gardens and the fun part is that it takes less effort, not more, to do it! We will get you the advice you need and we’ll even donate a few suitable pollinator friendly plants and flowers to get you up and running. We are especially interested in people who are prepared to take a few photos along the way to send to us and record how things are going. Interested. Contact us at emerbrennan@eircom.net or through our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com.
Project Zero in Monaghan
Our latest project under sustainable living involves encouraging people to produce as little waste as possible. We are looking for a number of volunteers (or guinea pigs!) to try to reduce their waste as low as possible or even go Zero waste and help us blog about it on social media. This project is about finding out how to live a zero waste lifestyle. Is it possible? What are the pitfalls? What are the costs? Does it save you money? Are you up for it?
Contact us at emerbrennan@eircom.net or through our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com.
Monaghan Arboretum
Noticed anything new around certain trees in Monaghan Town? It’s our new tree trail! Developed by council horticulturalist Denis Flannery this trail is approximately 3km long and will introduce you to up to 40 different species of tree around the town. An information sign has been installed at each tree. A map and guide will soon be available and the completed Arboretum will be launched before the end of May. This project was funded through an LA21 Environment grant.
Monaghan in Best Kept Towns Competition – Help us out!
Monaghan Town has been nominated in the Large Towns Category in Best Kept Towns, an All-Ireland competition judged in May. Our litter-picking and community clean-ups have stepped up a gear and we need all the help we can get to keep the town looking its best. Join our clean-ups on Saturdays at 11am or join our Litter Vigilantes and we will supply you with bags, pickers and high-vis vests to litter pick in your own area and in your own time.
April 2018
Monaghan Tidy Towns Spring Clean supported by An Taisce and Monaghan County Council next Saturday 11am. Meeting at front of the Courthouse. Time for the Annual Spring Clean. Bags, litter pickers, high vis vests available. Please come along and help out fore an hour or so. If you are not free on Saturday join our Litter Vigilantes and do a bit any other day or time that suits you. Thank you!
Monaghan Tidy Towns relaunches the Litter Vigilantes for 2018!
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is re-launching its Litter Vigilante initiative with the aim of raising the fight against litter in the town.
The Litter Vigilante initiative involves equipping members of the public with equipment such as litter pickers, high-vis vests, gloves and bags so that they can join in organised litter picks or litter pick in their own time and area when it is convenient for them to do so.
Committee Secretary, Emer Brennan explained, “Organised litter picks don’t suit everyone who might want to help and we have also found that some people like to help out by litter picking when they are out for a walk or even just walking into town. Combining all these forms of action against the litter scourge really does help with the problem.”
“Organised litter picking will continue on a weekly basis and everyone is welcome to join in. Times and areas will be advertised on our web site and on facebook regularly. So if you are fed up of seeing litter scattered on our roadways and streets and destroying our amenity areas come and join us and our Litter Vigilantes! Everyone is welcome. Our next litter pick is Saturday 7th April at 11am, meeting at the Railway Station on the North Road,” she said.
For more information, call Emer at 086 3908504 or check www.monaghantidytowns.com
Monaghan nominated in Best Kept Towns Competition 2018
Monaghan Town has been nominated to participate in the Best Kept Towns Competition for 2018 and will be competing in the Large Town Award thanks to its excellent performance in last year’s National Tidy Towns.
Irelands Best Kept Towns Competition is an all–island initiative organised jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Northern Ireland amenity Council and participation is based on participation in National Tidy Towns or Northern Ireland’s Best Kept Awards in the previous year.
Monaghan TidyTowns’ Emer Brennan says that the committee is honoured that the town has progressed to this level but is asking for everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel so that the town looks as well as possible in May.
“The judging for this competition is in May, which is much earlier than for Tidy Towns. This means we really have to get our act together very quickly. We are asking everyone, residents and businesses, to look at their properties to see if they need a tidy up, the power-hose or a lick of paint. We are also asking for more help from the public with litter-picks around the town and the approach roads and we are re-launching our Litter Vigilantes initiative which means anyone can help with the litter problem in their own time and place,” she said.
Adjudication takes place in May and the awards are expected to be announced in June in Belfast.
The judging criteria are similar to those for Tidy Towns but there is no entry form so towns are solely judged on what’s seen by the judges when they arrive.
The criteria to be judged includes
1.Presentation of buildings – well-presented shops, including facades and signage, business premises, banks, factories, historic and public buildings, statues and monuments.
2.Appearance of Approach Roads, Streets and Public Areas
Well-presented streets, verges, new / restored stone walls, footpaths, back lanes, car parks, seats, public toilets, telephone kiosks, post boxes, pumps, fountains, road signs, lighting standards/fixtures, wire-scape, hard landscaping and street furniture.
3.Presentation of Natural Environment
Well-presented open spaces, green areas, riverbanks, parks, trees, shrubs and soft landscaping
4.Presentation of immediate Residential Areas
Consideration of the public spaces in residential neighbourhoods including front gardens and private frontages
5.Tidiness
Absence of litter, fly-posting, indiscriminate dumping, graffiti, advertising hoardings and derelict buildings and sites. Appropriate placing of litter bins.
6.Comprehensiveness
Capacity to achieve balance in approach to terms 1 – 5 above. Progressive approach to securing improvements over time and addressing any intractable problems. The extent of community involvement
7.General Impression A discretionary mark for overall appearance concludes the criteria.
Emer Brennan concluded, “Anyone wishing to help out or get involved can contact us through the contact page on our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com, by calling Emer Brennan at 086 3908504 or through any member of the Tidy Towns committee.
Next Litter pick is on Saturday 7th April, meeting at 11am at the Railway Station, North Road and our next meeting is on 11th April in the snug at the Squealing Pig at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.”
What can TidyTowns do for your estate?
That’s the question that will be answered at a meeting for residents committees from across the town at our next meeting. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan says that people from all housing estates in the town are welcome to attend to hear what part housing estates can play in making the town better while at the same time upgrading their own area. Everyone is welcome
That’s the question that will be answered at a meeting for residents committees from across the town at our next meeting. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan says that people from all housing estates in the town are welcome to attend to hear what part housing estates can play in making the town better while at the same time upgrading their own area. Everyone is welcome
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards 2017
New Faces break through to take coveted plaques home
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards Night in the Westenra Hotel last week brought a after a busy and challenging year for the Tidy Towns Committee in Monaghan to a close. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan opened proceedings by welcoming all the nominees, residents and business people as well as councillors, council staff and Senator Robbie Gallagher.
In a brief presentation she explained that there were 870 towns, villages and areas entered in the National Tidy Towns in 2017 and added that Tidy Towns is said to be the second largest community involvement in the country next to the GAA. She used graphs to show the progress of Monaghan town over the last 12 years in the competition, rising from “bringing up the rear” to silver medal status and success in several special categories including two national awards in 2016. She said that this was due to a range of factors including the individual work of businesses, residents, council and committee in maintaining high standards of presentation.
The 2017 Awards were judged by representatives of Skerries Tidy Towns (National winners in 2016) who had been very decisive and clear about their preferences with regard to shop fronts, businesses and other categories.
The awards, sponsored by Monaghan County Council. were presented by committee members, councillors, Senator Robbie Gallagher and Gordon Fleming on behalf of Supervalu, National Tidy Towns Sponsors.
The award winners were as follows:
Best Estate:
Woodlands won this award for the first time after a very busy year planting hedges, installing insect hotels and ladybird towers, planting fruit trees and promoting “bee friendly” lawns. Judges were full of praise for the efforts and improvements made to the estate.
Best Estate Entrance:
Tully: Judges liked the natural look of the Tully entrance with its rocks and perennial planting
Best Shop Front:
Star Lighting / Jono’s was the pick for shop front for 2017. Judges admired the choice of colour, high standards of maintenance combined with window and front of shop display. Competition in this category was hot with House of Labels, Lou Lou Boutique and Magills all in contention.
Best Pub:
The Shambles - this year the judges went for the Dublin Street premises over the Squealing Pig and the Poc Fada, both of which they considered impressive. Jimmy’s Ltd was also admired for its old world charm.
Best Business Front:
In-Health Chiropractic on the Mall Road was a new face in the winner’s enclosure. The judges loved the use of colour and tasteful frontage. This was a difficult decision over regular winners DBM on the North Road which was immaculate as usual
Best Hotel/Tourism:
The Hillgrove Hotel was the choice here as the judges considered its presentation “quirky and brave”. All three hotels were highly praised
Best B&B
Ashleigh House took this category for the umpteenth time. The judges considered the choice of colour, floral display and presentation to be exemplary.
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Teach Aindi took the honours in another very competitive category with The Hive, Neighbourhood and Dinkins in close pursuit.
Best Floral Display
St. Macartan’s Cathedral impressed the visitors for its standard of presentation and the attention to detail on the grounds.
Public Buildings / Landscape
St Davnet’s Campus at Rooskey took its first award this year after the judges considered the campus a “unique and special asset to the town with exceptional standards of presentation and natural amenity potential.”
Window Display
Rocks’ of Monaghan took the window display award in a category that is becoming much more competitive.
Service Stations
Maxol/Moreish at Sam’s Bridge - judges witnessed the proprietor litter picking the perimeter of the station on the day and were mighty impressed.
Alleyways
Brendan & Goretti O'Reilly, Dublin St. were easy winners here with a picture postcard display, however, the judges noted the clean presentation at Hughes’s Flowers and considered several other alleyways to have great potential.
Best Presented Town House
The Driver Family, Limegrove, were selected for best presented town house, their neat house with impressive garden, fronted by nasturtiums in full flower impressed the judges.
Best Garden
The clean lines, meticulous presentation and pretty flower beds at Johnny and Majella Keenan’s on St Macartans Terrace was the judges choice here.
A number of special awards were also made on the night:
Community Award
Monaghan Men’s Shed were awarded the Community Award for their ongoing support to the Tidy Towns effort.
Tidy Towns Heroes
The Gateway Scheme with Bob Treanor were awarded Tidy Towns Heroes. The ending of the scheme will be a very considerable loss to the town.
Community Garden
Solas did great work this year on their garden and Tidy Towns looks forward to working with the group again next year.
Best Newcomer
Romantika, Old Cross Square were judged best newcomers for their superb effort with floral display since they opened.
2017 Hall of Fame
Edel Sweeney’s garden in Cluain Lorcain and An Poc Fada were added to the Hall of Fame list for consistent high standards of presentation over the years.
Finally there was a Special Award for Francie Mc Quillan of Belgium Park. Francie was the first winner of the Prettiest Garden competition ten years ago and his garden was brought back to glory in an inter-generational project last year involving Junior TidyTowns volunteers. The award was accepted by Belgium Park residents on his behalf.
TidyTowns Seek 2017 Awards Nominations
Monaghan TidyTowns Committee is seeking nominations for their annual awards, now in their twelfth year. Monaghan TidyTowns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said “Our annual awards night is an event that continues to grow. As ever, we have seen many business premises in the town repainted and updated this year and this helps keep the standard of presentation high. Clean, freshly painted, well presented buildings are an important foundation for TidyTowns success and we appreciate the effort businesses and residents make to keep the town looking well,” she said.
Monaghan Town has been climbing the rankings in the National Tidy Towns competition and won its first medal, a bronze, in 2014, followed by another in 2015 and rising to silver medal status last year.
“Over the years we have added new categories to our awards in order to boost certain aspects of the town. We would love to do more with our housing estates and would welcome ideas and observations from residents on that,” she added.
“We are looking to build on our success so far and the awards have played a big part in raising awareness and providing an incentive for local businesses and residents alike.”
“We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan through awards for Community Endeavour and Litter Vigilantes.”
You can nominate by text to 086 3908504 or email (emerbrennan@eircom.net) through our web site contact page at www.monaghantidytowns.com or by contacting any member of the committee.
Please make sure to include details such as the name and address of the nominee. Anyone can make a nomination and you can even nominate yourself. Judging will take place in early August and, to ensure fairness, will be done by independent outsiders, as in previous years.
The 2017 awards categories are
Best Estate and Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Best Public Building
Best Window Display
Best Service Station
Best Alley
Community Endeavour / Tidy Towns Hero
Best Garden
and the Hall of Fame awards for those who have maintained consistently high standards in presentation.
New Faces break through to take coveted plaques home
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards Night in the Westenra Hotel last week brought a after a busy and challenging year for the Tidy Towns Committee in Monaghan to a close. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan opened proceedings by welcoming all the nominees, residents and business people as well as councillors, council staff and Senator Robbie Gallagher.
In a brief presentation she explained that there were 870 towns, villages and areas entered in the National Tidy Towns in 2017 and added that Tidy Towns is said to be the second largest community involvement in the country next to the GAA. She used graphs to show the progress of Monaghan town over the last 12 years in the competition, rising from “bringing up the rear” to silver medal status and success in several special categories including two national awards in 2016. She said that this was due to a range of factors including the individual work of businesses, residents, council and committee in maintaining high standards of presentation.
The 2017 Awards were judged by representatives of Skerries Tidy Towns (National winners in 2016) who had been very decisive and clear about their preferences with regard to shop fronts, businesses and other categories.
The awards, sponsored by Monaghan County Council. were presented by committee members, councillors, Senator Robbie Gallagher and Gordon Fleming on behalf of Supervalu, National Tidy Towns Sponsors.
The award winners were as follows:
Best Estate:
Woodlands won this award for the first time after a very busy year planting hedges, installing insect hotels and ladybird towers, planting fruit trees and promoting “bee friendly” lawns. Judges were full of praise for the efforts and improvements made to the estate.
Best Estate Entrance:
Tully: Judges liked the natural look of the Tully entrance with its rocks and perennial planting
Best Shop Front:
Star Lighting / Jono’s was the pick for shop front for 2017. Judges admired the choice of colour, high standards of maintenance combined with window and front of shop display. Competition in this category was hot with House of Labels, Lou Lou Boutique and Magills all in contention.
Best Pub:
The Shambles - this year the judges went for the Dublin Street premises over the Squealing Pig and the Poc Fada, both of which they considered impressive. Jimmy’s Ltd was also admired for its old world charm.
Best Business Front:
In-Health Chiropractic on the Mall Road was a new face in the winner’s enclosure. The judges loved the use of colour and tasteful frontage. This was a difficult decision over regular winners DBM on the North Road which was immaculate as usual
Best Hotel/Tourism:
The Hillgrove Hotel was the choice here as the judges considered its presentation “quirky and brave”. All three hotels were highly praised
Best B&B
Ashleigh House took this category for the umpteenth time. The judges considered the choice of colour, floral display and presentation to be exemplary.
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Teach Aindi took the honours in another very competitive category with The Hive, Neighbourhood and Dinkins in close pursuit.
Best Floral Display
St. Macartan’s Cathedral impressed the visitors for its standard of presentation and the attention to detail on the grounds.
Public Buildings / Landscape
St Davnet’s Campus at Rooskey took its first award this year after the judges considered the campus a “unique and special asset to the town with exceptional standards of presentation and natural amenity potential.”
Window Display
Rocks’ of Monaghan took the window display award in a category that is becoming much more competitive.
Service Stations
Maxol/Moreish at Sam’s Bridge - judges witnessed the proprietor litter picking the perimeter of the station on the day and were mighty impressed.
Alleyways
Brendan & Goretti O'Reilly, Dublin St. were easy winners here with a picture postcard display, however, the judges noted the clean presentation at Hughes’s Flowers and considered several other alleyways to have great potential.
Best Presented Town House
The Driver Family, Limegrove, were selected for best presented town house, their neat house with impressive garden, fronted by nasturtiums in full flower impressed the judges.
Best Garden
The clean lines, meticulous presentation and pretty flower beds at Johnny and Majella Keenan’s on St Macartans Terrace was the judges choice here.
A number of special awards were also made on the night:
Community Award
Monaghan Men’s Shed were awarded the Community Award for their ongoing support to the Tidy Towns effort.
Tidy Towns Heroes
The Gateway Scheme with Bob Treanor were awarded Tidy Towns Heroes. The ending of the scheme will be a very considerable loss to the town.
Community Garden
Solas did great work this year on their garden and Tidy Towns looks forward to working with the group again next year.
Best Newcomer
Romantika, Old Cross Square were judged best newcomers for their superb effort with floral display since they opened.
2017 Hall of Fame
Edel Sweeney’s garden in Cluain Lorcain and An Poc Fada were added to the Hall of Fame list for consistent high standards of presentation over the years.
Finally there was a Special Award for Francie Mc Quillan of Belgium Park. Francie was the first winner of the Prettiest Garden competition ten years ago and his garden was brought back to glory in an inter-generational project last year involving Junior TidyTowns volunteers. The award was accepted by Belgium Park residents on his behalf.
TidyTowns Seek 2017 Awards Nominations
Monaghan TidyTowns Committee is seeking nominations for their annual awards, now in their twelfth year. Monaghan TidyTowns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said “Our annual awards night is an event that continues to grow. As ever, we have seen many business premises in the town repainted and updated this year and this helps keep the standard of presentation high. Clean, freshly painted, well presented buildings are an important foundation for TidyTowns success and we appreciate the effort businesses and residents make to keep the town looking well,” she said.
Monaghan Town has been climbing the rankings in the National Tidy Towns competition and won its first medal, a bronze, in 2014, followed by another in 2015 and rising to silver medal status last year.
“Over the years we have added new categories to our awards in order to boost certain aspects of the town. We would love to do more with our housing estates and would welcome ideas and observations from residents on that,” she added.
“We are looking to build on our success so far and the awards have played a big part in raising awareness and providing an incentive for local businesses and residents alike.”
“We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan through awards for Community Endeavour and Litter Vigilantes.”
You can nominate by text to 086 3908504 or email (emerbrennan@eircom.net) through our web site contact page at www.monaghantidytowns.com or by contacting any member of the committee.
Please make sure to include details such as the name and address of the nominee. Anyone can make a nomination and you can even nominate yourself. Judging will take place in early August and, to ensure fairness, will be done by independent outsiders, as in previous years.
The 2017 awards categories are
Best Estate and Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Best Public Building
Best Window Display
Best Service Station
Best Alley
Community Endeavour / Tidy Towns Hero
Best Garden
and the Hall of Fame awards for those who have maintained consistently high standards in presentation.
Monaghan Tidy Towns News
2016 was a great year for Monaghan in the National Tidy Towns Competition. We achieved silver medal status and took home the National Climate Change Award, the National Pollinator Award and the Regional Youth Award. So lets just say we have a challenging year ahead to beat all that.
A development plan is seen by the national adjudicators as crucial to the improvement of the town and its future success in the competition. Very soon we will be launching our fourth development plan, provisionally titled “Going for Gold”, as getting to gold medal level is now our main objective. We will need your help to get there but it is certainly achievable.
This year we will be continuing with many of our ongoing projects such as our local awards night, planting and landscaping programmes, a painting and vacant building programme, the Biodiversity Town Initiative, Junior Tidy Towns and Estate Enhancement Plans.
Our new projects will include Intergenerational gardens, a creamery can project and a new QR code heritage trail.
The presentation of businesses in Monaghan Town has been repeatedly praised by adjudicators but we would like to raise the bar by encouraging as many businesses as possible to add window boxes at first floor level. An eco-friendly watering system can be installed to keep your flower display at its best – contact us for details.
Our next meeting will be at 7pm on Wednesday 15th February in the Squealing Pig. We would be delighted if you could come along. Whether you are a resident or a business person your input will be invaluable.
Monaghan Rises in Irish Businesses Against Litter {IBAL} league to 16th
Monaghan Town has risen from a poor result this time last year {38th} to 16th for 2016.
We are on our way to getting back into the top ten.
IBAL inspectors are unannounced and anonymous so vigilance is required especially on sites that have received poor grades in the past and on approach roads which are always subject to litter thrown from cars.
The inspectors rank a number of different sites around the town from A to D and give a short synopsis of their findings in a report published in the national press twice a year.
Lets aim for straight A’s next time!
This time they said “A strong showing from Monaghan - among the very good sites surveyed in Monaghan town was the residential area of Drumbear Wood – it was in excellent order and pristine throughout. The three approach roads were also top ranking. One site which deserves a special mention is an area beside Coolshannagh Roundabout which had previously been very poor in IBAL Litter surveys – it has been cleared up and this time around it got the top litter grade. With a little extra care and attention Peter’s Lake could easily get the top litter grade – it is a wonderful waterside amenity which has been very nicely presented.
The sites inspected this time were:
Peter’s Lake: Grade B.
Diamond Centre: Grade B.
Site beside Coolshannagh Roundabout: Grade A.
Recycle Facility at ‘Long Stay Car Park: Grade B.
N2 Derry Approach Road: Grade A.
N2 Approach from Dublin direction: Grade A
Dublin Street: Grade A.
‘Oriel Filling Station’: Grade B
N54 Cavan Approach Road: Grade A.
Drumbear Wood: Grade A
Charles Gavan Duffy – Help us celebrate his 201st birthday!
Charles Gavan Duffy, politician, barrister, author and publisher was born on Monaghan Town on April 12th 1816. His bicentenary was somewhat overshadowed last year by the 1916 centenary so we {a subcommittee of Monaghan Tidy Towns} are looking for your help in organising some celebrations and events to mark the life of one of the most important historical figures in Irelands history.
Who was Charles Gavan Duffy ?
Charles Gavan Duffy was a Young Irelander who founded The Nation newspaper along with Thomas Davis and John Blake Dillon. Imprisoned for his support of the Rising of 1848, he then formed the Tenant League to bring about reforms in the Irish land system and protect tenants' rights, In 1852 he was elected to the House of Commons for New Ross. He later emigrated to Australia where he rose to become Prime Minister of Victoria. His grand[E1] -daughter, Louise, was in the GPO in 1916 and his son George Gavan Duffy defended Sir Roger Casement at his trial in London. There’s much more to his story however – check our web site at http://www.charlesgavanduffysociety.com for more.
If you interested or have any ideas on how we can raise awareness of the Charlres Gavan Duffy story and how it can be used to promote the town please contact us at emerbrennan@eircom.net.
2016 was a great year for Monaghan in the National Tidy Towns Competition. We achieved silver medal status and took home the National Climate Change Award, the National Pollinator Award and the Regional Youth Award. So lets just say we have a challenging year ahead to beat all that.
A development plan is seen by the national adjudicators as crucial to the improvement of the town and its future success in the competition. Very soon we will be launching our fourth development plan, provisionally titled “Going for Gold”, as getting to gold medal level is now our main objective. We will need your help to get there but it is certainly achievable.
This year we will be continuing with many of our ongoing projects such as our local awards night, planting and landscaping programmes, a painting and vacant building programme, the Biodiversity Town Initiative, Junior Tidy Towns and Estate Enhancement Plans.
Our new projects will include Intergenerational gardens, a creamery can project and a new QR code heritage trail.
The presentation of businesses in Monaghan Town has been repeatedly praised by adjudicators but we would like to raise the bar by encouraging as many businesses as possible to add window boxes at first floor level. An eco-friendly watering system can be installed to keep your flower display at its best – contact us for details.
Our next meeting will be at 7pm on Wednesday 15th February in the Squealing Pig. We would be delighted if you could come along. Whether you are a resident or a business person your input will be invaluable.
Monaghan Rises in Irish Businesses Against Litter {IBAL} league to 16th
Monaghan Town has risen from a poor result this time last year {38th} to 16th for 2016.
We are on our way to getting back into the top ten.
IBAL inspectors are unannounced and anonymous so vigilance is required especially on sites that have received poor grades in the past and on approach roads which are always subject to litter thrown from cars.
The inspectors rank a number of different sites around the town from A to D and give a short synopsis of their findings in a report published in the national press twice a year.
Lets aim for straight A’s next time!
This time they said “A strong showing from Monaghan - among the very good sites surveyed in Monaghan town was the residential area of Drumbear Wood – it was in excellent order and pristine throughout. The three approach roads were also top ranking. One site which deserves a special mention is an area beside Coolshannagh Roundabout which had previously been very poor in IBAL Litter surveys – it has been cleared up and this time around it got the top litter grade. With a little extra care and attention Peter’s Lake could easily get the top litter grade – it is a wonderful waterside amenity which has been very nicely presented.
The sites inspected this time were:
Peter’s Lake: Grade B.
Diamond Centre: Grade B.
Site beside Coolshannagh Roundabout: Grade A.
Recycle Facility at ‘Long Stay Car Park: Grade B.
N2 Derry Approach Road: Grade A.
N2 Approach from Dublin direction: Grade A
Dublin Street: Grade A.
‘Oriel Filling Station’: Grade B
N54 Cavan Approach Road: Grade A.
Drumbear Wood: Grade A
Charles Gavan Duffy – Help us celebrate his 201st birthday!
Charles Gavan Duffy, politician, barrister, author and publisher was born on Monaghan Town on April 12th 1816. His bicentenary was somewhat overshadowed last year by the 1916 centenary so we {a subcommittee of Monaghan Tidy Towns} are looking for your help in organising some celebrations and events to mark the life of one of the most important historical figures in Irelands history.
Who was Charles Gavan Duffy ?
Charles Gavan Duffy was a Young Irelander who founded The Nation newspaper along with Thomas Davis and John Blake Dillon. Imprisoned for his support of the Rising of 1848, he then formed the Tenant League to bring about reforms in the Irish land system and protect tenants' rights, In 1852 he was elected to the House of Commons for New Ross. He later emigrated to Australia where he rose to become Prime Minister of Victoria. His grand[E1] -daughter, Louise, was in the GPO in 1916 and his son George Gavan Duffy defended Sir Roger Casement at his trial in London. There’s much more to his story however – check our web site at http://www.charlesgavanduffysociety.com for more.
If you interested or have any ideas on how we can raise awareness of the Charlres Gavan Duffy story and how it can be used to promote the town please contact us at emerbrennan@eircom.net.
2016 Tidy Towns Annual Awards Nominees Announced
Year 11 of local awards sees further increase in nominations
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards now in their eleventh year have seen another increase in nominees for 2016.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said, “The committee has been delighted by the response to our annual call for nominees and the standard of upkeep of properties in the town. Our policy has always been to promote the painting and tidying of buildings as a first and basic step in our work. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and the addition of floral displays raise the bar further. Monaghan Town scores very highly under the “Built Environment” category in the National Tidy Towns adjudication every year. It is a solis foundation for town. We are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,” she said.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow and we firmly believe that these awards have been one of the central foundation stones for our continued improvement in our Tidy Towns scores over the past ten years or more,” she added.
“This year again, to ensure fairness, the awards are being judged by independent outsiders. For ten years now they have been sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan. There will be awards for Community Endeavour including Tidy Towns Community Heroes and Environmentalist of the Year..
The 2016 awards nominees are
Best Estate:
St Patricks Tce/Belgium Sq/Pk (Kilnacloy Residents Association)
Cathedral Walk
Drumbear Wood
Mullaghdun
Woodlands
Tully
Oakridge
Beechgrove
Pound Hill/Killygoan
The Corran
Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin
Cluain Lorcain
Best Estate Entrance:
The Corran
Tully
Belgium Park
Drumbear Wood
Cathedral Walk
Cluain Lorcain
Best Shop Front:
Lidl, North Rd.
Albany Décor, Market Street
Wards Pharmacy, Market St
House of Labels, The Diamond
Star Lighting, Glaslough St
Magills, The Diamond
Jonos, The Diamond
Gillanders Shoes, Market St.
Treanor Meats, Dublin St
Rocks’, Park St.
Best Pub:
The Squealing Pig, The Diamond
The Shambles, Dublin St
An Poc Fada, North Rd
Jimmy’s Ltd, Mill St
Tir na nOg, Park Street
Mc Kennas, Dublin St
Best Business Front:
DBM, North Rd
Barry Healy & Co. Hillside
Wilkie-Flanagan Solicitors Hillside
Flemings Department Store, Church Sq
Mc Guirk’s Fuels, Old Cross Square
Monaghan Shopping Centre
Monaghan Denture Clinic, Glaslough St.
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Westenra Hotel,
Four Seasons Hotel
Hillgrove Hotel
Best B&B
The Meadows B&B, Latlurcan
Ashleigh House, Dublin St.
Hilldene B&B, Canal St.
Brosna House Latlurcan
Best Restaurant or Take Away
The Hive, Glaslough St.
Dinkins, Church Square
Teach Aindi, Market St
Neighbourhood, Glaslough St
Best Floral Display
Ashleigh House, Dublin St.
Mc Cleary’s, North Road.
St Macartan’s Cathedral
The Hive, Glaslough St
Public Buildings
Education Campus, Armagh Rd
The Market House
The County Museum
Council Offices, Glen Rd
Window Display
Star Lighting
Albany Décor
Shuzella, Glaslough St
Utopia, Glaslough St
Dea, Glaslough St
JP Flowers, Market St.
Rocks’ Park St.
Lou Lou, The Diamond
Service Stations
Mc Nallys, Cootehill Rd
Martins Fuels, Ballybay Rd.
Topaz, N2
Sams Bridge, Drumlusk, Mace
Londis, Dublin Rd.
Alleyways
Brendan & Goretti O'Reilly, Dublin St.
Sew and Sews, Dublin St.
Mc Kennas Pub, Dublin St.
Poc Fada Beer Garden, Mill St.
Hughes’ Flowers
Lavery’s, Dublin St.
There will also be awards for Best Presented Town House and Best Garden.
Invites to all nominees are in the post this week. The awards take place on Wednesday 2nd November at 7.30pm in the Westenra Hotel. Anyone with an interest in Tidy Towns is welcome.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said, “The committee has been delighted by the response to our annual call for nominees and the standard of upkeep of properties in the town. Our policy has always been to promote the painting and tidying of buildings as a first and basic step in our work. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and the addition of floral displays raise the bar further. Monaghan Town scores very highly under the “Built Environment” category in the National Tidy Towns adjudication every year. It is a solis foundation for town. We are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,” she said.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow and we firmly believe that these awards have been one of the central foundation stones for our continued improvement in our Tidy Towns scores over the past ten years or more,” she added.
“This year again, to ensure fairness, the awards are being judged by independent outsiders. For ten years now they have been sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan. There will be awards for Community Endeavour including Tidy Towns Community Heroes and Environmentalist of the Year..
The 2016 awards nominees are
Best Estate:
St Patricks Tce/Belgium Sq/Pk (Kilnacloy Residents Association)
Cathedral Walk
Drumbear Wood
Mullaghdun
Woodlands
Tully
Oakridge
Beechgrove
Pound Hill/Killygoan
The Corran
Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin
Cluain Lorcain
Best Estate Entrance:
The Corran
Tully
Belgium Park
Drumbear Wood
Cathedral Walk
Cluain Lorcain
Best Shop Front:
Lidl, North Rd.
Albany Décor, Market Street
Wards Pharmacy, Market St
House of Labels, The Diamond
Star Lighting, Glaslough St
Magills, The Diamond
Jonos, The Diamond
Gillanders Shoes, Market St.
Treanor Meats, Dublin St
Rocks’, Park St.
Best Pub:
The Squealing Pig, The Diamond
The Shambles, Dublin St
An Poc Fada, North Rd
Jimmy’s Ltd, Mill St
Tir na nOg, Park Street
Mc Kennas, Dublin St
Best Business Front:
DBM, North Rd
Barry Healy & Co. Hillside
Wilkie-Flanagan Solicitors Hillside
Flemings Department Store, Church Sq
Mc Guirk’s Fuels, Old Cross Square
Monaghan Shopping Centre
Monaghan Denture Clinic, Glaslough St.
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Westenra Hotel,
Four Seasons Hotel
Hillgrove Hotel
Best B&B
The Meadows B&B, Latlurcan
Ashleigh House, Dublin St.
Hilldene B&B, Canal St.
Brosna House Latlurcan
Best Restaurant or Take Away
The Hive, Glaslough St.
Dinkins, Church Square
Teach Aindi, Market St
Neighbourhood, Glaslough St
Best Floral Display
Ashleigh House, Dublin St.
Mc Cleary’s, North Road.
St Macartan’s Cathedral
The Hive, Glaslough St
Public Buildings
Education Campus, Armagh Rd
The Market House
The County Museum
Council Offices, Glen Rd
Window Display
Star Lighting
Albany Décor
Shuzella, Glaslough St
Utopia, Glaslough St
Dea, Glaslough St
JP Flowers, Market St.
Rocks’ Park St.
Lou Lou, The Diamond
Service Stations
Mc Nallys, Cootehill Rd
Martins Fuels, Ballybay Rd.
Topaz, N2
Sams Bridge, Drumlusk, Mace
Londis, Dublin Rd.
Alleyways
Brendan & Goretti O'Reilly, Dublin St.
Sew and Sews, Dublin St.
Mc Kennas Pub, Dublin St.
Poc Fada Beer Garden, Mill St.
Hughes’ Flowers
Lavery’s, Dublin St.
There will also be awards for Best Presented Town House and Best Garden.
Invites to all nominees are in the post this week. The awards take place on Wednesday 2nd November at 7.30pm in the Westenra Hotel. Anyone with an interest in Tidy Towns is welcome.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Seek 2016 Awards Nominations
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is seeking nominations for their annual awards now in their eleventh year. Anyone and everyone are welcome to nominate those they think have made a super effort with regard to presentation of their premises in the town.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said “Involvement in the awards continues to grow. As ever, we have seen many business premises in the town redecorated this year and this helps keep the standard of presentation high. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the most important foundation for Tidy Towns and we are very grateful to everyone who made a contribution to keep the town looking well. The addition of floral displays such as window boxes or hanging baskets is the cherry on top. It all creates an attractive and welcoming vista for residents and visitors alike,” she said.
Monaghan Town has been climbing the rankings in the National Tidy Towns competition and won its first medal, a bronze, in 2014, followed by another in 2015.
“Over the years we have added new categories tour local awards in order to boost certain aspects of the town. We can see big improvements in our housing estates and approach roads and would welcome ideas and observations from residents on raising the standard even further. We are now organising best garden competitions within estates where there is enough involvement,” she added.
Chairperson Cheryl Connolly said, “We are looking to build on this success and the awards have played a big part in raising awareness and providing an incentive for local businesses and residents alike. We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan through awards for Community Endeavour and Litter Vigilantes.”
You can nominate by text to 086 3908504 or email (emerbrennan@eircom.net) or by contacting any member of the committee.
Please make sure to include details such as the name and address of the nominee. Anyone can make a nomination and you can even nominate yourself. The awards will be judged in August so please get those nominations in fast!
Judging will take place in early August – just a couple of weeks away and, to ensure fairness, will be done by independent outsiders, as in previous years.
The 2016 awards categories are
Best Estate and Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Best Public Building
Best Window Display
Best Service Station
Best Alley
Best Garden
Community Endeavour / Tidy Towns Hero
and the Hall of Fame awards for those who have maintained consistently high standards in presentation.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said “Involvement in the awards continues to grow. As ever, we have seen many business premises in the town redecorated this year and this helps keep the standard of presentation high. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the most important foundation for Tidy Towns and we are very grateful to everyone who made a contribution to keep the town looking well. The addition of floral displays such as window boxes or hanging baskets is the cherry on top. It all creates an attractive and welcoming vista for residents and visitors alike,” she said.
Monaghan Town has been climbing the rankings in the National Tidy Towns competition and won its first medal, a bronze, in 2014, followed by another in 2015.
“Over the years we have added new categories tour local awards in order to boost certain aspects of the town. We can see big improvements in our housing estates and approach roads and would welcome ideas and observations from residents on raising the standard even further. We are now organising best garden competitions within estates where there is enough involvement,” she added.
Chairperson Cheryl Connolly said, “We are looking to build on this success and the awards have played a big part in raising awareness and providing an incentive for local businesses and residents alike. We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan through awards for Community Endeavour and Litter Vigilantes.”
You can nominate by text to 086 3908504 or email (emerbrennan@eircom.net) or by contacting any member of the committee.
Please make sure to include details such as the name and address of the nominee. Anyone can make a nomination and you can even nominate yourself. The awards will be judged in August so please get those nominations in fast!
Judging will take place in early August – just a couple of weeks away and, to ensure fairness, will be done by independent outsiders, as in previous years.
The 2016 awards categories are
Best Estate and Best Estate Entrance:
Best Shop Front:
Best Pub:
Best Business Front:
Best Hotel/Tourism:
Best B&B
Best Restaurant or Take Away
Best Floral Display
Best Public Building
Best Window Display
Best Service Station
Best Alley
Best Garden
Community Endeavour / Tidy Towns Hero
and the Hall of Fame awards for those who have maintained consistently high standards in presentation.
Canal Bank Mural Brings Kavanagh to Greenway
Walkers can read some inspirational poetry during their stroll from now on as a new mural commissioned by Monaghan Tidy Towns has just been completed along a section of the Ulster Canal Greenway near St Davnet's Complex.
The mural features lines from poet Patrick Kavanagh’s “Canal Bank Walk” in script along part of the wooden fence with a depiction of the poet himself reclining along the bank. Artist Geraldine Martin, from Inniskeen, has been working on the project for some weeks – between the showers! . Monaghan Tidy Towns wish to express their thanks to Carol Lambe for her inspiration for the project and her support during it.
The mural features lines from poet Patrick Kavanagh’s “Canal Bank Walk” in script along part of the wooden fence with a depiction of the poet himself reclining along the bank. Artist Geraldine Martin, from Inniskeen, has been working on the project for some weeks – between the showers! . Monaghan Tidy Towns wish to express their thanks to Carol Lambe for her inspiration for the project and her support during it.
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Pick Up a Paintbrush – Monaghan Tidy Towns and Albany Launch New Project
Judges Criticism Sparks Action on Boundary Walls.
Monaghan Tidy Towns has been delighted to take up a very generous offer from Albany Décor allowing town residents great discounts on masonry paint.
Last years adjudicators report on Monaghan Town stated quite clearly that boundary walls such as those along approach roads and in housing estates were a problem and Albany’s offer has been made in response.
The offer includes discounts throughout September on masonry paint, brushes and tray sets. Fliers with the details are being distributed by Tidy Towns and Junior Tidy Towns members.
Tidy Towns Chairperson Cheryl Connolly said, “We are delighted with this initiative. We know it hasn’t been a great summer for painting, however we are very pleased that so many businesses in the town have managed to paint their premises and keep the streets of the town well presented. In fact, over the years, the town has been repeatedly praised for the high standard of presentation of businesses and retail. Unfortunately though, boundary walls have come in for criticism and we would greatly appreciate it if these walls got a coat of paint before next years competition. There may be a window of opportunity over the coming weeks for people to do this before winter arrives, so come on, pick up a paint brush and help your estate or your road look better for Tidy Towns!!”
Last years adjudicators report on Monaghan Town stated quite clearly that boundary walls such as those along approach roads and in housing estates were a problem and Albany’s offer has been made in response.
The offer includes discounts throughout September on masonry paint, brushes and tray sets. Fliers with the details are being distributed by Tidy Towns and Junior Tidy Towns members.
Tidy Towns Chairperson Cheryl Connolly said, “We are delighted with this initiative. We know it hasn’t been a great summer for painting, however we are very pleased that so many businesses in the town have managed to paint their premises and keep the streets of the town well presented. In fact, over the years, the town has been repeatedly praised for the high standard of presentation of businesses and retail. Unfortunately though, boundary walls have come in for criticism and we would greatly appreciate it if these walls got a coat of paint before next years competition. There may be a window of opportunity over the coming weeks for people to do this before winter arrives, so come on, pick up a paint brush and help your estate or your road look better for Tidy Towns!!”
Junior Tidy Towns Eco Camp Presentation
Junior Tidy Towns members from Cluain Lorcain Estate were delighted to be presented with their wonderful creations in pottery by artist Brenda Mc Ginn last week. Returning to the camp venue, St Patricks’ Hall in Monaghan Town, children, accompanied by their parents were thrilled to see the bird feeders they had sculpted in July during workshops with Brenda, transformed by the kiln and presented beautifully in individual packages. Environment Officer Nial O’Connor, Tidy Towns secretary, Emer Brennan and Cluain Lorcain JTT Leaders Elaine and Mary attended the presentation. Thanks were expressed to St Patricks Hall caretaker Jim and to Muriel Treacy for use of the hall for the Eco Camp for several years now. No doubt the birds around Cluain Lorcan can expect to be very well fed this winter!
Monaghan Town Makes Major Strides in Quest for Tidy Towns Success
Bronze Medal, County Award and Youth Regional Award for town in 2015
Bronze Medal, County Award and Youth Regional Award for town in 2015
Members of Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee are delighted with the result of the 2015 National Tidy Towns Awards after scooping a second bronze medal, a county award and the Regional honour in the Youth Awards. Prize-money of almost €2000 will be invested in projects in the town with a view to further gains next year.
Committee Secretary, Emer Brennan said that the combined efforts of the council, community groups such as the Men’s Shed, the Allotment Society, the Junior Tidy Towns groups as well as the efforts of the business community and residents groups had brought Monaghan Town to a higher standard.
“Our benchmark for many years now has been to pass the 300 point mark. We have now surpassed it and we are moving on to another stage where we hope to be competing with the best. To that end Glaslough and Carrickmacross are superb examples of what can be achieved and are very close to the top nationally. We applaud them for leading the way in the county. As we move to the next stage we ask that everyone in the town continues to do their bit to build on our success so far. We are always glad to see new members of the committee but if you are not into committee meetings there are lots of other ways to help. As usual we are publishing here the full adjudicators report.”
Monaghan is Wild – Nature gets Noticed in Monaghan for Biodiversity Week. May 30th 2015
Monaghan Tidy Towns and the Irish Wildlife Trust organised a nature trek around the town environs last Saturday and would like to thank the adults and children who came along to take part.
The trek was another in a series of outings organised this year to help promote the idea of Monaghan as a “Biodiversity Town” where nature is understood and appreciated. Ecologist Billy Flynn of Flynn Furney Ecologists led the way on a trek that led through St Davnets grounds, Peters Lake and the Ulster Canal Park.
Trees, bird song and wild flowers were identified with the help of identification keys and the importance of plants that are good pollinators was outlined. Along the way the orchard at St Davnets was a stopping point where Emer Brennan of Monaghan Tidy Towns explained their recent “Dispersed Urban Orchard” project where apple and pear trees were given to people in the community to plant in their own gardens.
At Peter’s Lake the iris was coming into bloom and various species of duck obliged by coming to the lake shore. Ulster Canal Park was described as part of the excellent wildlife corridor that is the Greenway. This event will be followed by another on June 13th at 9pm entitled “Birds by Bike” where Billy Flynn and Joe Shannon of Birdwatch Ireland will lead cyclists on a trek along the Greenway focussing on our native birds. All are welcome.
The trek was another in a series of outings organised this year to help promote the idea of Monaghan as a “Biodiversity Town” where nature is understood and appreciated. Ecologist Billy Flynn of Flynn Furney Ecologists led the way on a trek that led through St Davnets grounds, Peters Lake and the Ulster Canal Park.
Trees, bird song and wild flowers were identified with the help of identification keys and the importance of plants that are good pollinators was outlined. Along the way the orchard at St Davnets was a stopping point where Emer Brennan of Monaghan Tidy Towns explained their recent “Dispersed Urban Orchard” project where apple and pear trees were given to people in the community to plant in their own gardens.
At Peter’s Lake the iris was coming into bloom and various species of duck obliged by coming to the lake shore. Ulster Canal Park was described as part of the excellent wildlife corridor that is the Greenway. This event will be followed by another on June 13th at 9pm entitled “Birds by Bike” where Billy Flynn and Joe Shannon of Birdwatch Ireland will lead cyclists on a trek along the Greenway focussing on our native birds. All are welcome.
Monaghan Tidy Towns - How you can help! Boundary walls a target for 2015 says Chairperson
Its that time of year again, the evenings are longer, the weather is warmer and we all feel the need for a bit of a spring clean or a spruce up. Monaghan Town has progressed considerably in recent years in the National Tidy Towns Awards and the local committee is keen to progress even further. Progress has been made thanks to the work of everyone in the town who has contributed, even in a small way to making the town more attractive, clean, tidy and environmentally aware. Biodiversity, sustainability and good waste management are also key to progress in the TidyTowns awards. Tidy Towns is actually the longest running environmental competition or project with the largest community and voluntary input in the country. Organised by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with Supervalu as its main sponsor TidyTowns has evolved with time and changing environmental legislation, policies & priorities.
TidyTowns is known to improve the local environment, increase the number of visitors and tourists, make towns and villages more attractive places to live, bring a better sense of community spirit and pride and improves local enterprise.
How can you help? “Again this year we’ve seen quite a few business premises painted in the town. We cannot stress how much this is appreciated as no amount of window boxes or hanging baskets can disguise an untidy building or flaking paint. Every year both the national adjudicator and our local awards judge commend the standard of local business premises in the town. Monaghan has consistently scored well under the Built Environment category. However, last years report highlighted some premises where the second storey was not up to standard. The adjudicator also remarked on some untidy boundary walls – so if your boundary walls, fences or railings need a tidy or a lick of paint it would be greatly appreciated. ,” said Monaghan Tidy Towns Chairperson Cheryl Connolly..
“Anyone who wants to get involved in any way is very welcome. We intend to have plenty of activities going on including our community clean ups and painting programmes. As always we welcome those who can help in their own time by signing up to be a Litter Vigilante. Our Litter Vigilantes are supplied with equipment, high vis vests and litter bags to go out and tackle littered areas in their own time. They make a huge difference in areas such as the bypass. We are easy to contact through our web site at http://www.monaghantidytowns.com or by calling Emer at 086 3908504 or Cheryl at 0862270957 (after 4pm)”.
TidyTowns is known to improve the local environment, increase the number of visitors and tourists, make towns and villages more attractive places to live, bring a better sense of community spirit and pride and improves local enterprise.
How can you help? “Again this year we’ve seen quite a few business premises painted in the town. We cannot stress how much this is appreciated as no amount of window boxes or hanging baskets can disguise an untidy building or flaking paint. Every year both the national adjudicator and our local awards judge commend the standard of local business premises in the town. Monaghan has consistently scored well under the Built Environment category. However, last years report highlighted some premises where the second storey was not up to standard. The adjudicator also remarked on some untidy boundary walls – so if your boundary walls, fences or railings need a tidy or a lick of paint it would be greatly appreciated. ,” said Monaghan Tidy Towns Chairperson Cheryl Connolly..
“Anyone who wants to get involved in any way is very welcome. We intend to have plenty of activities going on including our community clean ups and painting programmes. As always we welcome those who can help in their own time by signing up to be a Litter Vigilante. Our Litter Vigilantes are supplied with equipment, high vis vests and litter bags to go out and tackle littered areas in their own time. They make a huge difference in areas such as the bypass. We are easy to contact through our web site at http://www.monaghantidytowns.com or by calling Emer at 086 3908504 or Cheryl at 0862270957 (after 4pm)”.
Monaghan Junior Tidy Towns Launch Radio Anti-Litter Campaign
Monaghan’s Junior Tidy Towns have launched an anti-litter campaign which includes an advertisement on local radio. The ad, sponsored by Monaghan County Council is currently running on Northern Sound and coincides with a billboard advertising campaign in the town. Children from the Junior Tidy Towns group in Cluain Lorcain voiced the ad and were delighted with their VIP treatment at the radio station. Monaghan Tidy Towns secretary, Emer Brennan expressed thanks to Nial O’Connor, Environment Officer with the council for his assistance in organizing the recordings. Elaine and Mary, leaders of the Cluain Lorcain Junior Tidy Towns group were delighted with the result and the children have been receiving many compliments since the ads went “live”. The children hope that people take the ads “seriously!” and refrain from littering our town.
Good Result but More Progress can be Made say Monaghan Tidy Towns on IBAL Result
Monaghan: 12th out of 40 towns and Cleaner than European Norms.
Monaghan Tidy Towns committee are pleased with the final Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) result for 2014 but are keen to make progress in 2015.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the aim of the committee would be to retain a top ten placing and remain “Cleaner than European Norms”.
“This is a good result, with eight sites getting a Grade A status. The IBAL report staes that some of the very good sites surveyed in Monaghan included the Diamond: Town Centre, Lidl and Glaslough Street – these were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained. There was one problem site letting us down was the Diamond Centre Car Park area,” she said.
“There was a very much improved score for the link road to Cavan. IBAL are now taking much more notices of link roads between towns and villages as they are frequently affected by litter thrown from vehicles and are very unsightly and uninviting for visitors and tourists. As usual we are publishing here the full results of the latest IBAL survey. We congratulate all those who have helped with the upkeep all the A graded sites particularly the Kilnacloy Residents Association for Belgium Park, the staff of the Leisure Centre and Lidl and the council for its ongoing work on litter prevention and collection.
Belgium Park: Grade A. (Residential area) This is a well presented and maintained mature residential environment. There was clear and clean signage with regard to Dog Fouling and some was noted in the IBAL survey. Apart from this there was an absence of litter throughout.
Glaslough Street: Grade A. A small, side shopping street which was in excellent order. There was lovely paving (with hexagonal bricks, creating an attractive pattern), hanging baskets, well presented shop fronts and good road surface / markings – all in all this was a superb site, a model for other shopping streets.
Diamond Centre and Car Park: Grade C. This was the most heavily littered site surveyed in Monaghan. There was a persistent litter problem throughout with accumulations in isolated areas. The surface was rough / uneven and the markings were very old. If not addressed, this site will quickly become a litter blackspot.
Scotstown Approach Road: Grade A. The overall presentation of this road very good with road surface / markings / signage in good order. – no litter to report here.
Monaghan Leisure Centre: Grade A. The car park, shrubbery area and general environment were well presented and maintained. The area is served by plenty of litter bins. The overall impression is of a well attended environment.
Recycle Facility in Car Park of Maxol on North Road: Grade B. On the whole this recycle facility was in quite good order but it was let down by the litter to the rear and also the heavy levels of bottle tops / lids surrounding the recycle bins. A more through approach to cleaning could easily address this.
The Diamond – Town Centre: Grade A. This is a very well presented and maintained town centre – the overall presentation was very fresh and clean – a top ranking site throughoot
Sports Ground / Football Pitch at Belgium Park: Grade A. On the whole this was a good site but care needs to be taken at the hedges along the perimeter, next to Belgium Park residential area.
Lidl: Grade A. This was an excellent site. The car park had nice paving indicating individual parking spots. The surrounding shrubbery was well maintained. There was a complete absence of litter throughout. In this surveyor’s experience it was the best Lidl surveyed and this surveyor has surveyed many towns over many many years.
Monaghan – Cavan: N3-N54 Link Road: Grade A. The site is very well maintained from Monaghan to the Co Cavan border with only slightly litter outside Monaghan. .
Monaghan Tidy Towns committee are pleased with the final Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) result for 2014 but are keen to make progress in 2015.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the aim of the committee would be to retain a top ten placing and remain “Cleaner than European Norms”.
“This is a good result, with eight sites getting a Grade A status. The IBAL report staes that some of the very good sites surveyed in Monaghan included the Diamond: Town Centre, Lidl and Glaslough Street – these were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained. There was one problem site letting us down was the Diamond Centre Car Park area,” she said.
“There was a very much improved score for the link road to Cavan. IBAL are now taking much more notices of link roads between towns and villages as they are frequently affected by litter thrown from vehicles and are very unsightly and uninviting for visitors and tourists. As usual we are publishing here the full results of the latest IBAL survey. We congratulate all those who have helped with the upkeep all the A graded sites particularly the Kilnacloy Residents Association for Belgium Park, the staff of the Leisure Centre and Lidl and the council for its ongoing work on litter prevention and collection.
Belgium Park: Grade A. (Residential area) This is a well presented and maintained mature residential environment. There was clear and clean signage with regard to Dog Fouling and some was noted in the IBAL survey. Apart from this there was an absence of litter throughout.
Glaslough Street: Grade A. A small, side shopping street which was in excellent order. There was lovely paving (with hexagonal bricks, creating an attractive pattern), hanging baskets, well presented shop fronts and good road surface / markings – all in all this was a superb site, a model for other shopping streets.
Diamond Centre and Car Park: Grade C. This was the most heavily littered site surveyed in Monaghan. There was a persistent litter problem throughout with accumulations in isolated areas. The surface was rough / uneven and the markings were very old. If not addressed, this site will quickly become a litter blackspot.
Scotstown Approach Road: Grade A. The overall presentation of this road very good with road surface / markings / signage in good order. – no litter to report here.
Monaghan Leisure Centre: Grade A. The car park, shrubbery area and general environment were well presented and maintained. The area is served by plenty of litter bins. The overall impression is of a well attended environment.
Recycle Facility in Car Park of Maxol on North Road: Grade B. On the whole this recycle facility was in quite good order but it was let down by the litter to the rear and also the heavy levels of bottle tops / lids surrounding the recycle bins. A more through approach to cleaning could easily address this.
The Diamond – Town Centre: Grade A. This is a very well presented and maintained town centre – the overall presentation was very fresh and clean – a top ranking site throughoot
Sports Ground / Football Pitch at Belgium Park: Grade A. On the whole this was a good site but care needs to be taken at the hedges along the perimeter, next to Belgium Park residential area.
Lidl: Grade A. This was an excellent site. The car park had nice paving indicating individual parking spots. The surrounding shrubbery was well maintained. There was a complete absence of litter throughout. In this surveyor’s experience it was the best Lidl surveyed and this surveyor has surveyed many towns over many many years.
Monaghan – Cavan: N3-N54 Link Road: Grade A. The site is very well maintained from Monaghan to the Co Cavan border with only slightly litter outside Monaghan. .
Tidy Towns Dog Litter Awareness Campaign Monaghan
Tidy Town’s Sheila Connolly is spearheading the fight against dog fouling in the town. “Dog fouling is an issue that has been on top of people’s minds as the worst form of litter and has been one of the top issues of complaint from members of the public in recent times. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets in public areas, but unfortunately some ignore their responsibilities. As dog fouling has negative health implications it is imperative that we strive to reduce the quantity of it on our streets and parks,” said Sheila.
“Our main concern is with changing the public’s attitude to dog fouling and offering them the means to both report and clean-up dog litter,” she added.
Toxocariasis is a disease found in animal faeces and is caused by the eggs of the roundworm toxocara. These can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with animal faeces and contaminated soil. Children are particularly at risk and infection can lead to illness and even partial loss of sight. It is an entirely preventable health risk and the main reason that dog owners should clean up after their pets. Freshly deposited faeces are not infectious because toxocara eggs do not become infectious for at least 2 – 3 weeks after the faeces have been deposited. Therefore there is no risk of catching toxocariasis whilst clearing up immediately after your dog.
The Litter Pollution Act, 1997-2009. Section 22 (1) states that ‘Where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to which this subsection applies, the person in charge of the dog shall immediately remove the faeces and shall ensure that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.’ The maximum fine amounts to €150. In respect of the fine not being paid, court proceedings can be initiated where on summary conviction, a maximum fine of €4,000 can be imposed. Anti dog fouling signs have been erected in several areas across the town.
As part of the campaign dog litter bags are being made available, free of charge, in a number of locations. Monaghan Tidy Towns will monitor bag usage from these locations and will consider alternative locations if not being used.
Sheila Connolly expressed her thanks to the council for the provision of new dog litter bins along the Greenway. “There is no excuse, there are also plenty of signs all around the town reminding dog owners of their responsibilities. At the end of the day, if you own a dog you must take care of it and ensure that it brings no harm to others in the community,” she added.
“Our main concern is with changing the public’s attitude to dog fouling and offering them the means to both report and clean-up dog litter,” she added.
Toxocariasis is a disease found in animal faeces and is caused by the eggs of the roundworm toxocara. These can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with animal faeces and contaminated soil. Children are particularly at risk and infection can lead to illness and even partial loss of sight. It is an entirely preventable health risk and the main reason that dog owners should clean up after their pets. Freshly deposited faeces are not infectious because toxocara eggs do not become infectious for at least 2 – 3 weeks after the faeces have been deposited. Therefore there is no risk of catching toxocariasis whilst clearing up immediately after your dog.
The Litter Pollution Act, 1997-2009. Section 22 (1) states that ‘Where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to which this subsection applies, the person in charge of the dog shall immediately remove the faeces and shall ensure that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.’ The maximum fine amounts to €150. In respect of the fine not being paid, court proceedings can be initiated where on summary conviction, a maximum fine of €4,000 can be imposed. Anti dog fouling signs have been erected in several areas across the town.
As part of the campaign dog litter bags are being made available, free of charge, in a number of locations. Monaghan Tidy Towns will monitor bag usage from these locations and will consider alternative locations if not being used.
Sheila Connolly expressed her thanks to the council for the provision of new dog litter bins along the Greenway. “There is no excuse, there are also plenty of signs all around the town reminding dog owners of their responsibilities. At the end of the day, if you own a dog you must take care of it and ensure that it brings no harm to others in the community,” she added.
Tidy Towns Thank Council Staff after Successful Year
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee called for thanks to the town and county council staff for all their assistance in bringing the town further success this year as the town’s score continued to climb with the national adjudicators.
There was appreciation of Dan Collins and the outdoor staff for their hard work on the ground all year round as well as acknowledgement of the clerical and engineering staff for their help, courtesy and support.
The committee’s final meeting of the year and AGM saw the current officer board re-elected. On the proposal of committee secretary Emer Brennan it was decided to have a planning meeting in January to go through the list of targets for Year One of the new three year development plan and to also look at how the committee could address the recommendations in the national adjudicators report. It was agreed that she and Sheila Connolly would collect the Highly Commended Notice Nature Award at the Regional Awards the following week in Donegal.
The secretary said that this was a competition we should enter again in 2014 as we would have further progress made with the biodiversity trail on the Greenway. She added that St Mary’s Boys School had made their own biodiversity trail and all agreed that the schools were doing great work.
Chairperson Cheryl Gormley added that the work of the schools and the Junior Tidy Towns was a major asset to the Tidy Towns effort. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Honorary Chairperson Raymond Aughey for the use of The Squealing Pig’s facilities over many years.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Welcome Positive Report 2013
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee has welcomed a very positive annual report accompanied by an eight point gain. These points mean that in three years the town has added 38 points to its total, a remarkable feat. Monaghan Town was also highly commended for its entry in the “Notice Nature” (biodiversity) Awards this year. The committee has commissioned a number of surveys, reports and plans for biodiversity and has developed a biodiversity trail, a chain of insect hotels and a number of other initiatives with the assistance of the council. Committee policy is to publish reports with all comments so that the public can see for themselves where progress is being made and where the adjudicator sees problems that need to be solved. The committee would like to express its appreciation to everyone in the town who contributed in any way to progress this year. The report can be viewed HERE
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee called for thanks to the town and county council staff for all their assistance in bringing the town further success this year as the town’s score continued to climb with the national adjudicators.
There was appreciation of Dan Collins and the outdoor staff for their hard work on the ground all year round as well as acknowledgement of the clerical and engineering staff for their help, courtesy and support.
The committee’s final meeting of the year and AGM saw the current officer board re-elected. On the proposal of committee secretary Emer Brennan it was decided to have a planning meeting in January to go through the list of targets for Year One of the new three year development plan and to also look at how the committee could address the recommendations in the national adjudicators report. It was agreed that she and Sheila Connolly would collect the Highly Commended Notice Nature Award at the Regional Awards the following week in Donegal.
The secretary said that this was a competition we should enter again in 2014 as we would have further progress made with the biodiversity trail on the Greenway. She added that St Mary’s Boys School had made their own biodiversity trail and all agreed that the schools were doing great work.
Chairperson Cheryl Gormley added that the work of the schools and the Junior Tidy Towns was a major asset to the Tidy Towns effort. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Honorary Chairperson Raymond Aughey for the use of The Squealing Pig’s facilities over many years.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Welcome Positive Report 2013
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee has welcomed a very positive annual report accompanied by an eight point gain. These points mean that in three years the town has added 38 points to its total, a remarkable feat. Monaghan Town was also highly commended for its entry in the “Notice Nature” (biodiversity) Awards this year. The committee has commissioned a number of surveys, reports and plans for biodiversity and has developed a biodiversity trail, a chain of insect hotels and a number of other initiatives with the assistance of the council. Committee policy is to publish reports with all comments so that the public can see for themselves where progress is being made and where the adjudicator sees problems that need to be solved. The committee would like to express its appreciation to everyone in the town who contributed in any way to progress this year. The report can be viewed HERE
Tidy Towns Annual Award Winners Announced
Awards continue to expand as town makes significant progress
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards now in their eighth year, have seen another increase in nominees and categories this year. A large crowd attended last week for the awards night in the Westenra Arms Hotel where Chairperson Cheryl Connolly Gormley kicked off proceedings by welcoming all the nominees, local councillors and the town clerk. She thanked all who made the effort to nominate someone and all the nominees, adding that they are all winners as their work has been recognised by both the public and by the committee this year. Ecologist Billy Flynn gave a presentation on the Committees new three year development plan 2013 – 2016.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan, MC for the night said that the number of gardens nominated had increased in 2013 after a downturn in 2012 which reflected the unfriendly weather experienced that summer and the number of nominees in all other categories had also increased on previous years.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow. The committee has been delighted by the response to our call for the painting of premises which has again improved on previous years. So many premises have been painted, including several major landmark properties this year. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and we are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,†she said.
“This year again, in the interests of fairness, the awards were judged by independent outsiders. Our judges were six members of Castleblayney Tidy Towns who visited in August as part of the Tidy Towns Network "Second Eye" initiative. Monaghans Committee provided judges for Castleblayneys local awards in return. As always, the awards are sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. The three new categories from last year which included Best Public Building, Best Window Display and Best Service Station are joined by a new category for alleyways. One important category in the National Awards in which we could work for extra marks is Roads, streets and back areas and this is the reason that we have taken a photographic survey of these areas of the town and have now introduced a category in our own awards for alleyways.
We also continue our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan with awards for Tidy Towns Community Heroes.
2013 awards nominees, winners and cups
Best Estate: Cluain Lorcan (Coogan Family Shield ) Cluain Lorcain pipped previous winners Oakridge, Tully and Kilnacloy with their immaculate presentation and superb community spirit, not to mention their fantastic Junior Tidy Towns group.
Best Estate Entrance: Tully (Coogan Family Shield 2) Tully's pristine entrance was an easy winner this year
Best Shop Front: A hotly contested category with many outstanding regular nominees, the judges thought the winner, House of Labels / Esprit was both stunning, innovative, unique and deserving of the Francie Coogan Perpetual Trophy.
Best Pub: An Poc Fada shaded it this time over The Squealing Pig and The Shambles Bar in Dublin Street. Jimmy’s Ltd made a welcome return to the nominees list.
Best Business Front: Mc Ardle Cassidy Mc Quaid, North Road, fought off the challenge of Barry Healy & Co. Hillside to take this category.
Best Hotel/Tourism: The judges couldn’t pass the elegance and the floral display of the Westenra Arms Hotel, winners for several years in a row now.
Best B&B: Hilldene B&B, Canal Street, with its stunning array of flowers returned to the winners enclosure hotly pursued by Ashleigh House and The Meadows.
Best Restaurant or Take Away: Pizza D’Or, Market Street made a return to glory this year.
Monaghans Prettiest Garden: Mr. Myers colourful and pristine garden on the Clones Road claimed the George Wright Perpetual Cup for the second year running with newcomer Anthony Gaffney taking a highly commended certificate.
Best Floral Display: Mc Cleary’s Shop, North Road took this category for the first time
Best Public Building was the Market House, beautifully presented with a fantastic floral display
Window Display: Utopia Boutique, Glaslough Street won this competitive category for their unique and innovative displays
Service Stations: Sams Bridge, Drumlusk, Mace retained the Hildene Cup but this category is getting very close.
The new Tidy Alley Award went to Sew and Sews for their lovely floral display and tidy presentation.
Three premises were given the Hall of Fame Award for their consistency and attention to detail, year in, year out. These were Wards Pharmacy, Albany Modern Décor and The Squealing Pig Bar and Restaurant.
The Best Newcomers Awards went to House of Gold, Dawson Street which has gained many admirers already, Maria Connolly Solicitors, North Road which impressed with a new paint job and floral display which makes the best of this impressive building, the Wool Shop on Market Street with its innovative window display and the National Learning Network for their work with litter.
This year's Tidy Towns Community Heroes who were presented with a Community Heroes trophy and certificate were
1. Rehab for their continued work on litter in the Mall Road / Canal Walk area
2. Ann Summers for her superb organisation of Killygoan Junior Tidy Towns
3. Sinead Murphy and Louise Meehan and Coolshannagh Walk Junior Tidy Towns
4. Alice Creagh and Killygoan JTT
5. The Allotment Society for their success in bringing the Allotments to Monaghan
6. Solas for their community garden and the attention to detail with their state of the art five star insect hotel.
7. Gerry Murdock, the ultimate Litter Vigilante!
8. Elaine Golding, the ultimate organiser and leader of Cluain Lorcain Junior Tidy Towns.
Town Cathaoirleach Paul Mc Geown brought the proceedings to a close by thanking all present for their contributions and wishing the committee well for 2014.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards now in their eighth year, have seen another increase in nominees and categories this year. A large crowd attended last week for the awards night in the Westenra Arms Hotel where Chairperson Cheryl Connolly Gormley kicked off proceedings by welcoming all the nominees, local councillors and the town clerk. She thanked all who made the effort to nominate someone and all the nominees, adding that they are all winners as their work has been recognised by both the public and by the committee this year. Ecologist Billy Flynn gave a presentation on the Committees new three year development plan 2013 – 2016.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan, MC for the night said that the number of gardens nominated had increased in 2013 after a downturn in 2012 which reflected the unfriendly weather experienced that summer and the number of nominees in all other categories had also increased on previous years.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow. The committee has been delighted by the response to our call for the painting of premises which has again improved on previous years. So many premises have been painted, including several major landmark properties this year. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and we are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,†she said.
“This year again, in the interests of fairness, the awards were judged by independent outsiders. Our judges were six members of Castleblayney Tidy Towns who visited in August as part of the Tidy Towns Network "Second Eye" initiative. Monaghans Committee provided judges for Castleblayneys local awards in return. As always, the awards are sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. The three new categories from last year which included Best Public Building, Best Window Display and Best Service Station are joined by a new category for alleyways. One important category in the National Awards in which we could work for extra marks is Roads, streets and back areas and this is the reason that we have taken a photographic survey of these areas of the town and have now introduced a category in our own awards for alleyways.
We also continue our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan with awards for Tidy Towns Community Heroes.
2013 awards nominees, winners and cups
Best Estate: Cluain Lorcan (Coogan Family Shield ) Cluain Lorcain pipped previous winners Oakridge, Tully and Kilnacloy with their immaculate presentation and superb community spirit, not to mention their fantastic Junior Tidy Towns group.
Best Estate Entrance: Tully (Coogan Family Shield 2) Tully's pristine entrance was an easy winner this year
Best Shop Front: A hotly contested category with many outstanding regular nominees, the judges thought the winner, House of Labels / Esprit was both stunning, innovative, unique and deserving of the Francie Coogan Perpetual Trophy.
Best Pub: An Poc Fada shaded it this time over The Squealing Pig and The Shambles Bar in Dublin Street. Jimmy’s Ltd made a welcome return to the nominees list.
Best Business Front: Mc Ardle Cassidy Mc Quaid, North Road, fought off the challenge of Barry Healy & Co. Hillside to take this category.
Best Hotel/Tourism: The judges couldn’t pass the elegance and the floral display of the Westenra Arms Hotel, winners for several years in a row now.
Best B&B: Hilldene B&B, Canal Street, with its stunning array of flowers returned to the winners enclosure hotly pursued by Ashleigh House and The Meadows.
Best Restaurant or Take Away: Pizza D’Or, Market Street made a return to glory this year.
Monaghans Prettiest Garden: Mr. Myers colourful and pristine garden on the Clones Road claimed the George Wright Perpetual Cup for the second year running with newcomer Anthony Gaffney taking a highly commended certificate.
Best Floral Display: Mc Cleary’s Shop, North Road took this category for the first time
Best Public Building was the Market House, beautifully presented with a fantastic floral display
Window Display: Utopia Boutique, Glaslough Street won this competitive category for their unique and innovative displays
Service Stations: Sams Bridge, Drumlusk, Mace retained the Hildene Cup but this category is getting very close.
The new Tidy Alley Award went to Sew and Sews for their lovely floral display and tidy presentation.
Three premises were given the Hall of Fame Award for their consistency and attention to detail, year in, year out. These were Wards Pharmacy, Albany Modern Décor and The Squealing Pig Bar and Restaurant.
The Best Newcomers Awards went to House of Gold, Dawson Street which has gained many admirers already, Maria Connolly Solicitors, North Road which impressed with a new paint job and floral display which makes the best of this impressive building, the Wool Shop on Market Street with its innovative window display and the National Learning Network for their work with litter.
This year's Tidy Towns Community Heroes who were presented with a Community Heroes trophy and certificate were
1. Rehab for their continued work on litter in the Mall Road / Canal Walk area
2. Ann Summers for her superb organisation of Killygoan Junior Tidy Towns
3. Sinead Murphy and Louise Meehan and Coolshannagh Walk Junior Tidy Towns
4. Alice Creagh and Killygoan JTT
5. The Allotment Society for their success in bringing the Allotments to Monaghan
6. Solas for their community garden and the attention to detail with their state of the art five star insect hotel.
7. Gerry Murdock, the ultimate Litter Vigilante!
8. Elaine Golding, the ultimate organiser and leader of Cluain Lorcain Junior Tidy Towns.
Town Cathaoirleach Paul Mc Geown brought the proceedings to a close by thanking all present for their contributions and wishing the committee well for 2014.
2013 Tidy Towns Annual Awards Nominees Announced
Awards continue to expand as town makes significant progress
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards now in their eighth year, have seen another increase in nominees this year.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the number of gardens nominated had increased in 2013 after a downturn in 2012 which reflected the unfriendly weather experienced that summer and the number of nominees in all other categories had also increased on previous years.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow. The committee has been delighted by the response to our call for the painting of premises which has again improved on previous years. So many premises have been painted, including several major landmark properties this year. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and we are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,” she said.
“This year again, in the interests of fairness, the awards will be judged by independent outsiders. As always, the awards are sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. The three new categories from last year which included Best Public Building, Best Window Display and Best Service Station are joined by a new category for alleyways. One important category in the National Awards in which we could work for extra marks is “Roads, streets and back areas” and this is the reason that we have taken a photographic survey of these areas of the town and introduced a category in our own awards for alleyways.”
“We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan. There will be awards for Community Endeavour including Environmentalist of the Year, Tidy Towns Community Heroes and Litter Vigilantes. Nominations for best garden are still coming in and will be announced shortly.” (see nominees on awards page)
Press Release:
Strategy begins on third Development Plan for Town
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is off to a lively start for with plans to commence consultations on their next Development Plan. Committee Secretary Emer Brennan explains: “One of the most important parts of Tidy Towns work is our development plan. Monaghan has made great strides since our first development plan was devised by our former secretary Joe Heron. Our second plan runs until the end of this year, however most of the work envisaged in it has already taken place or has been superseded so we are starting now on our next plan which will run for the next three years. Working with the town council we will consult widely while drawing up the plan. We still have a way to go but we are making progress so we are keen to hear what residents think and we are looking for good ideas and initiatives,” she explained
“One of the most successful initiatives in recent years is our Junior Tidy Towns (JTT) and this is an initiative that started in a housing estate – namely Cluain Lorcain. We would love to see this expand into more estates across the town. We already have queries from other towns in the county and further away regarding the running of JTT which is very encouraging,” she continued.
“As part of our consultations we are organizing a consultation night for all residents associations in the town on Tuesday May 8th in the Westenra Hotel.
Each residents association is invited to send representatives, the more, the better!”
“We are seeking their views, ideas and your input about what we should be including in our next plan for the town and for the housing estates. We intend to have advice available on the night regarding possible grants or other initiatives and we are putting together a Litter Pick Kit for every estate that attends so we do need residents committees to let us know that they are coming but everyone is welcome on the night.”
Monaghan Tidy Towns Annual Awards now in their eighth year, have seen another increase in nominees this year.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the number of gardens nominated had increased in 2013 after a downturn in 2012 which reflected the unfriendly weather experienced that summer and the number of nominees in all other categories had also increased on previous years.
“Interest and competition in the awards continues to grow. The committee has been delighted by the response to our call for the painting of premises which has again improved on previous years. So many premises have been painted, including several major landmark properties this year. Clean, freshly painted, tidy buildings are the foundation of success and we are very grateful to everyone who has done their bit to keep the town looking good,” she said.
“This year again, in the interests of fairness, the awards will be judged by independent outsiders. As always, the awards are sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort. The three new categories from last year which included Best Public Building, Best Window Display and Best Service Station are joined by a new category for alleyways. One important category in the National Awards in which we could work for extra marks is “Roads, streets and back areas” and this is the reason that we have taken a photographic survey of these areas of the town and introduced a category in our own awards for alleyways.”
“We will also be continuing our practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan. There will be awards for Community Endeavour including Environmentalist of the Year, Tidy Towns Community Heroes and Litter Vigilantes. Nominations for best garden are still coming in and will be announced shortly.” (see nominees on awards page)
Press Release:
Strategy begins on third Development Plan for Town
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is off to a lively start for with plans to commence consultations on their next Development Plan. Committee Secretary Emer Brennan explains: “One of the most important parts of Tidy Towns work is our development plan. Monaghan has made great strides since our first development plan was devised by our former secretary Joe Heron. Our second plan runs until the end of this year, however most of the work envisaged in it has already taken place or has been superseded so we are starting now on our next plan which will run for the next three years. Working with the town council we will consult widely while drawing up the plan. We still have a way to go but we are making progress so we are keen to hear what residents think and we are looking for good ideas and initiatives,” she explained
“One of the most successful initiatives in recent years is our Junior Tidy Towns (JTT) and this is an initiative that started in a housing estate – namely Cluain Lorcain. We would love to see this expand into more estates across the town. We already have queries from other towns in the county and further away regarding the running of JTT which is very encouraging,” she continued.
“As part of our consultations we are organizing a consultation night for all residents associations in the town on Tuesday May 8th in the Westenra Hotel.
Each residents association is invited to send representatives, the more, the better!”
“We are seeking their views, ideas and your input about what we should be including in our next plan for the town and for the housing estates. We intend to have advice available on the night regarding possible grants or other initiatives and we are putting together a Litter Pick Kit for every estate that attends so we do need residents committees to let us know that they are coming but everyone is welcome on the night.”
Monaghan Tidy Towns Tree Project Continues
Monaghan Tidy Towns Volunteers led by Horticulturalist Denis Flannery have been very bust over the last few weeks adding more trees to the Clones approach road to the town. Hundreds of trees have been planted across the town on approach roads and car parks as part of the enhancement project designed by Denis and supported by both the council and the Tidy Towns Committee. In our photo are Denis Flannery, Cheryl Connolly, John Macklin and John Nutley.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered to come out and help plant all the trees!
Thanks to everyone who volunteered to come out and help plant all the trees!
NEWS UPDATES....Tidy Towns Awards Reward Progress and Volunteers
Competition fierce in all categories as progress celebrated.
Monaghan Tidy Towns 7th Annual Awards took place this week in the packed Town Hall of the Westenra Hotel. The awards, now in their seventh year, saw another increase in nominees and some new categories for window display, service stations and public buildings. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan was MC for the night and introduced speakers Cllr Seamus Treanor, current Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, and visiting judge Larry Magnier from Blackrock, Co. Louth. Cllr Robbie Gallagher and Cllr Paudge Connolly also attended to help make presentations to award winners. There were apologies from the Sinn Fein councillors who had another engagement and Cllr David Maxwell who had to leave early due to other commitments.
Cllr Treanor praised the work of the committee, volunteers and the council staff, all of whom played a significant role in the improving score for Monaghan Town.
Judge Larry Magnier spoke of the pleasure he had in visiting the town and of how impressed he was by the standard of presentation of businesses, estates and gardens.
He said that he was delighted to hear that the Monaghan had received such a great points boost in the National Tidy Towns Awards score in September as he believed that the town had been seriously underscored in the past. He added that he hadn’t been to Monaghan for many years and he was very impressed by the developments that had taken place. He added that with the progress being made, it would not be long until Monaghan would be in contention. Describing his experience with Blackrock, a seafront town, he said that Monaghan was fortunate to have such lovely architecture, a beautiful lake in the town and many other features that provided a great basis to work on.
Committee secretary Emer Brennan thanked the many groups and individuals who had worked hard to help Monaghan look good this year - staff and workers of Monaghan Town Council and Monaghan County Council, Marie Deighan, Gareth Mc Mahon, David Fallon, Niall O Connor, Carmel Brennan, Carol Lambe, Denis Flannery, Billy Flynn, Richie Barry, Francie Coogan, John Nutley, the Courts Service, the town and county councillors for bringing up issues, supporting Tidy Towns and coming out to help, and all members of the committee, all the “Litter Vigilantes”, all those who come out and volunteer with community clean ups, Rehab Care, residents committees, the local schools and Green Schools participants, and the Westenra Hotel.
She then called out the list of nominees in each category followed by the winners. All nominees received a certificate and the winners a framed winner’s certificate. Magnificent cups and plaques were sponsored by well known volunteer Mr. Francie Coogan (New Terrace), Mr.George Wright (Mill Street) and the ICA with a new cup for 2012 sponsored by last years Hall of Fame winners Bernard and Teresa Meehan of Hilldene House. The awards night is sponsored by Monaghan County Council which has been so supportive of the Tidy Towns effort.
Emer Brennan explained that the number of nominees in each category had continued to grow and that new categories had been added. .
“Competition in the shop front, business front and best pub categories is fierce with several former award winners in each section, all of whom have made an extra effort this year. Deciding on winners in these categories was very tough so we were delighted to have an independent outsider come in and do it for us. The crowd that attended the awards tonight is a testament to the interest that is there in having your premises looking well and contributing to the overall presentation of the town.”
“The committee are also continuing the practice of recognising those who make a special effort in volunteering to help out the Tidy Towns cause in Monaghan. We have christened these awards the “Tidy Towns Heroes”. Rehab Care go out and litter pick around the Mall Road, Ulster Canal Walk area of town on a regular basis. Gerry Murdock is one of our better known “litter vigilantes”, going out and litter picking on the Monaghan Bypass daily and staff of Mr Ks have been noted hovering on Market Street!. Francie Coogan ensures that the area around New Terrace/ Coolshannagh is ablaze with floral colour all year round and Anne Summers, Sinead Murphy and Louise Meehan have made an enormous contribution by leading Junior Tidy Towns in Killygoan and Coolshannagh Walk estates respectively,” she said.
“Judge Larry Magnier was particularly impressed by the presentation of our public buildings. The residents of estates where Junior Tidy Towns are now well established were recognised for their contribution which continues to grow and has enormous potential for the future of Tidy Towns in Monaghan.”
“It is particularly pleasing that several people expressed an interest in getting more involved in Tidy Towns on the night. We welcome new members either as volunteers or committee members or both. There’s a place for everyone in Tidy Towns. Contact us through our web site www.monaghantidytowns.com or by calling Emer at 086 3908504 or Cheryl at 086 2270957 or by contacting any member of the committee.”
The secretary concluded by thanking Rory Geary, the Northern Standard and Northern Sound for their support in helping the committee to continually highlight the Tidy Towns message.”
Miss Brennan concluded by saying that the committee planned to develop the awards further next year and welcomed any suggestions from the public in how they could be further improved.
The 2012 awards winners were
Best Estate: Winners of The Coogan Family Perpetual Cup: Oakridge : Oakridge was outstanding on the day of judging.
Best Estate Entrance: (Winners of the Francie Coogan Perpetual Plaque) Belgium Park, Kilnacloy Residents Association - the large stone carved with Belgium Park’s name was beautifully surrounded by nasturtiums which were replicated in other areas of the estate.
Best Shop Front: House of Labels / Esprit – winners of a really strong category, this building stood out for its colour, floral display and innovation. The judge said he had never seen outdoor wallpaper before!
Best Pub: The Squealing Pig, The Diamond. Judged as a building with a superb use of colour, fabulous window boxes and the judge remarked “lifts the entire Diamond with its Mediterranean feel”
Best Business Front: Barry Healy & Co. Hillside: “Smart and tidy with a lovely contrast of colour with its bright red floral arrangements”
Best Hotel/Tourism: The Westenra Hotel, The Diamond “Outstanding, this town centre hotel had a real Wow factor on the day of judging”
Best B&B Ashleigh House, Dublin Street, “nice use of colour and super floral arrangements lift the lower end of Dublin Street considerably”
Best Restaurant or Take Away: Dinkin’s Restaurant and Teach Aindí shared the award. “Both excellent but different in scale. Dinkins wise use of colour and window boxes stand out and their tasteful banners show how it should be done. Teach Aindi was exceptionally tidy with a stunning floral display on the day”
Best Service Station: Sam’s Bridge, Coolshannagh “Winners of a difficult section, service stations are a little at the mercy of their customers with regard to litter. Better provision of bins, seating for customers and attempts to improve the surrounding area won it for them.”
Best Window Display: Star Lighting, Glaslough Street, “window display here was exemplary, hard to beat.”
Monaghan’s Prettiest Garden: Mr. Myers, Clones Road. “This exceptionally tidy garden just shone out in beautiful colour against pristine white walls”
Mature Garden Award: Dawson and Pearl Breakey, Tully. “The observer can see the long term effort put in to this garden over many years. A great example of a sustainable garden.”
Best Floral Display: Sew and Sews, Dublin Street. “A delight, a little oasis of beauty in a little alley in Dublin Street”
Public Building: Monaghan Town Hall – “Monaghan’s public buildings are excellent. This building was obviously recently painted and had magnificent window boxes. A fine example of what can be done. Simply stunning!”
Tidy Towns Heroes / Community Awards
This award is given to those whose volunteerism on a regular basis makes a very significant contribution to the Tidy Towns effort in Monaghan Town.
- Rehab Care, Mall Road, Ann Summers, Alice Creagh and Killygoan Residents /Junior Tidy Towns, Sinead Murphy, Louise Meehan, Coolshannagh Walk Junior Tidy Towns, Gerry Murdock, Mr Ks, Market Street, Francie Coogan
Tidy Towns Alerts Businesses to Bike Rack Opportunity
Monaghan Tidy Towns is alerting local retailers and other businesses in the town of an opportunity to acquire and fit wall mounted bike racks for customers use. Committee secretary, Emer Brennan explained that there are some 50 free wall-mounted stainless steel rails available suitable for chaining a bike to if you're going inside the premises. “Cycling is increasingly popular in towns and cities across the country. This is another initiative to encourage cyclists to use their bikes in town and assist them in keeping their property secure when they are shopping. Details are available from Carol Lambe at the county council (047 30500) and we would encourage retailers to investigate the possibilities.”
Thank you to everyone who has painted the front of their building / shop this year. It makes a big difference!
Great field trip to Inniskeen and Tallanstown with the TT Network 15th September.
A 21 point gain in 2012! We are all delighted. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard this year! See the report on our Annual Reports page
Monaghan Town Takes Endeavour Award
Special Mention for Junior Tidy Towns in 2012 Report
Monaghan Town was awarded a massive 21 point gain in the National Tidy Towns Awards announced this week. Committee secretary Emer Brennan on behalf of the Tidy Towns Committee expressed thanks to all involved.
“We would like to thank all the volunteers and everyone who made a special effort this year. We seem to be thanking people all the time – but with good reason. So many residents and businesses painted their premises this year. This is so important because all the flowers and landscaping in the world will not disguise untidy, dirty or flaky buildings. Judges for our local awards have consistently praised the high standards of presentation of businesses and shop fronts in the town,” she said.
“The National adjudicator rightly pointed to the improved planning, architectural and environmental awareness since his previous visit six or seven years ago and much of this can be credited to the town council, particularly the works on the Diamond and Old Cross Square but also works over the course of those years such as Glaslough Street and Market Street. The council has been very supportive and has done marvellous work especially considering it is now working with fewer resources, “added Chairman Raymond Aughey.
“The flower displays in the town this year were the best ever, despite the unhelpful weather, our town horticulturalist Denis Flannery and the support of council staff and volunteers Maurice and Cheryl ensured that the town was at its most colourful this summer, “ he said. The secretary added, “We’re also fortunate that our volunteers, particularly the Junior Tidy Towns (JTT) brigade were able to supplement the work of the council staff in keeping the town clean. A special mention must go to Elaine Golding, Ann Summers, Sinead Murphy and Louise Meehan for their leadership with the Juniors as well as Gerry Murdock, our leading Litter Vigilante who has done such a great job on the bypass all year. Francie Coogan has done a super job keeping the North Road blooming this year too.”
Continuing she said, “The County Council also deserves mention. All of the Tidy Towns groups across the county appreciate the practical and essential support of Niall O’Connor and Carol Lambe and the support of the county and town councillors. The judges report suggests that this years success might be repeated if the energy and initiative can be maintained, so, with that in mind we will be starting work immediately for next years competition. If anyone is interested in getting involved please contact myself or Cheryl at 086 3908504 or 086 2270957 or contact us through our web site at www.monaghantidytowns.com”
September 2012: New Cup for Tidy Towns Awards
Hall of Fame Winners Sponsor New Trophy for 2012
Brendan and Teresa Meehan of Hilldene House, Canal Street have graciously offered a another new trophy to Monaghan Tidy Towns for inclusion in this years annual Tidy Towns Awards. The Meehan’s were awarded a Hall of Fame Award last year having previously won best garden and best B&B for several years in a row. Monaghan Tidy Towns secretary Emer Brennan, thanking the Meehans for their generous donation said that Hildene’s garden was always the one to beat when it came to gardens around the town. “Hildene House is an example of what can be done with a town house garden. It brightens up the town and always turns heads when people are passing by. Monaghan Tidy Towns would like to thank Brendan and Teresa for their generosity and their continuing good example as “Hall of Fame” winners in our local awards.”
August 2012: Judges About for Monaghan Tidy Towns Awards 2012!
First Round of Judging by Visiting Adjudicator Complete
The first round of judging in the local Monaghan Tidy Towns Awards has taken place and with the competition continuing to grow a second round is necessary to fit everyone in! Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee bring an outside judge to the town to adjudicate on a wide range of categories from Best Shop-front to Prettiest Garden. Among the new categories still to be judged are Best Filling Station/Convenience Store with marks for general tidiness and efforts made to cut down on waste and litter.
The visiting judge who hadn’t been in Monaghan for a number of years said that he was very impressed by the town and the progress made over the years. The standard of presentation of shopfronts and businesses were particularly praised as was the floral displays all around the town.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan, explained that a previous Tidy Towns Committee field trip had included a visit to prestigious gold medal winning towns in Louth and that it was a bonus to bring judges from these towns to Monaghan. “The judge’s opinions and comments are great pointers for us and they provide valued information for us in planning our activities and priorities for the future.”
“We would especially like to thank all the residents, businesses and owners of premises who have revamped, painted and spruced up their premises in the town this year, particularly considering the weather we’ve had. The second round of judging will take place shortly. There’s still time to nominate a building, a garden or a person for an award and anyone can do so by the following means – email – use the “contact us” form on our web site www.monaghantidytowns.com or emerbrennan@eircom.net or text or call Emer or Cheryl at 086 3908504 or 0862270957 or contact any member of the committee. Self nomination is also allowed. Every year we discover someone who has been working away quietly on behalf of the town and we like to recognise them through our Community Endeavour Awards so if you know anyone who you think deserves to be recognised please let us know that too” she added.
IBAL Result a Wake Up Call – Tidy Towns
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee, after examining the latest IBAL Litter League Report says that it provides an important wake up call for the community in terms of keeping Monaghan clean.
Committee secretary Emer Brennan said that although six sites in the town were awarded an A grade, three sites seriously affected our result bringing us down to 33rd out of 42 towns and cities surveyed. “IBAL gave the Emyvale / Derry Approach Road, the Storage Area behind Cormeen Cabinets Ltd and St Macartan’s College a “C” grade. We now need to work to regain our Clean to European Norms status which we had held for five years and for which we won an award in 2011. We would like to thank everyone involved in respect of the areas which have been given A grades and we must acknowledge that the council is working under greater budget constraints than ever. That’s why it is such a shame that so much has to be spent on litter when it is a problem that is entirely preventable. I would hope that this result will act as an incentive for everyone to do better on litter. Its everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
Remarks by the IBAL adjudicators on nine sites visited in Monaghan are on our Annual Reports page in full
Get Ready for Monaghan Tidy Towns Awards 2012!
Local Awards Judge will Visit in August. New Categories Added
Get ready for this year’s Monaghan Tidy Towns Awards is the message from the Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee as they prepare to bring another outside judge to the town to adjudicate on a wide range of categories from Best Shop-front to Prettiest Garden. Among the new categories will be Best Filling Station/Convenience Store with marks for general tidiness and efforts made to cut down on waste and litter.
The Committee will again invite a judge from outside the county in the shape of Mr Larry Magnier, Blackrock Tidy Towns – a Gold Medal winning town.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan, explained that a previous Tidy Towns Committee field trip had included a visit to Dundalk, Blackrock and Tallanstown, all of whom had won a prestigious gold medal for their efforts. “Field trips are very useful learning experiences and we were certainly made very welcome in Louth, and, having seen first hand the tremendous work done there, we were not surprised that they had garnered so much acclaim.”
“Our own local awards were set up six years ago as part of our first development plan and every year we like to add something new. Last year we’ve asked Richie Barry of Tallanstown, the 2010 national winners to come and judge and give an outside perspective to our awards. This year it will be Larry Magnier from Blackrock. We intend to organise the adjudication of the awards in August again this year so the judge will visit before the end of the month to have a look at all the shop fronts, businesses, pubs, B&Bs, hotels and gardens. We would especially like to thank all the residents, businesses and owners of premises who have revamped, painted and spruced up their premises in the town this year, particularly considering the weather we’ve had. And there are still a couple of weeks to get ready before the judge comes. Its amazing how much difference a lick of paint can make!”
Explaining the nomination process she added, “If anyone wants to nominate a building, a garden or a person for an award this year please do. Anyone can do so by the following means – email – use the “contact us” form on our web site www.monaghantidytowns.com or emerbrennan@eircom.net or text or call Emer or Cheryl at 086 3908504 or 0862270957 or contact any member of the committee.
As always we are especially interested in any new nominees for gardens this year – we’ve already spotted a few but if your neighbour or someone you know has a garden worth nominating please let us know and take a few photos as well. Self nomination is also allowed so don’t hide your light under a bushel. Committee members will also be on the lookout for nominees in all categories. We need nominations as soon as possible. Every year we discover someone who has been working quietly in some way on behalf of the town and we like to recognise them through our Community Endeavour Awards so if you know anyone who you think deserves to be recognised please let us know that too.”
The award categories are
Best Estate
Best Estate Entrance
Best Shop Front
Best Pub
Best Business Front
Best Filling Station / Convenience Store
Best Hotel or B&B
Best Take Away or Restaurant
Best Garden
Best Floral Display –Business
Best Floral Display - Residential
Community Endeavour Awards
August 9, 2012: Report Vandalism and Litter Louts say Tidy Towns
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is asking the public to report any vandalism to flower arrangements in the town centre. Damage has been done to containers and baskets in Dublin Street, the Diamond and Church Square on a number of occasions this summer.
“A lot of work has gone into flowers and landscaping around the town this year and, in spite of the unkind weather, the centre of town look particularly well. It is a credit to the council and the volunteers so it is deeply disappointing that a few mindless individuals find it amusing to damage or destroy the work of others,” said Vice Chairperson Cheryl Gormley. “We would greatly appreciate it if witnesses could report such behaviour as soon as possible so that the Gardai can be alerted. It’s the only deterrent we have to counter such behaviour. Likewise, the scourge of litter continues to cost the council an unacceptable amount of money. Litter is entirely preventable and the money spent cleaning up after litter louts could be spent on other important issues around the town. Litter louts are taking money out of our pockets!! If you spot someone littering, please report it, particularly if you witness people dumping from cars. Litter from passing vehicles is one of the worst problems we have and is a scourge all along our approach roads. Don’t be afraid to report it!” she said.
How to Report littering -there are many ways which you can contact the council if you want to report littering: Email - environment@monaghancoco.ie or phone: 047 30592 / 30593, the Environment section is located on the 3rd Floor of the MTEK 2 Building, Armagh Rd, Monaghan. When making a complaint try and have as much information as possible.
Get Picking and Painting for 2012 says Monaghan Tidy Towns!! Spring Clean for Monaghan Town on Saturday 19th May
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee is calling everyone out for a big Spring Clean next Saturday 19th May as preparations continue for the arrival of Tidy Towns judges in June. Committee secretary Emer Brennan said “We are asking people to once again ‘Get their hands dirty’ for SuperValu TidyTowns in 2012 and join in the Spring Clean for Monaghan next Saturday. We hope that lots of groups and residents committees will be out on the day. We will be meeting at the long stay car park beside the “Magic Roundabout” / St Louis Girls School this time. Everybody is welcome.”
Miss Brennan explained that Monaghan Town had made significant gains over recent years with a nine point gain in 2011. “We need to keep this momentum going. The refurbishment of the Diamond and Dublin Street was a big help last year. Old Cross Square has now been completed as well. We also have a number of projects going on including our biodiversity plan and signage and the development of our Junior Tidy Towns teams in various estates across the town.”
Already this year we’ve seen quite a few business premises painted in the town. We cannot stress how much this is appreciated as no amount of window boxes or baskets can disguise an untidy building or flaking paint. Last year our local awards judge commended the standard of local business premises in the town. The committee is continuing to work with owners of vacant premises as well and we appreciate their help in putting the best face on the town that we can,” she continued.
“Anyone who wants to get involved in any way is very welcome. We intend to have plenty of activities going on including our community clean ups and painting programmes this summer and we also welcome those who can help in their own time by signing up to be a Litter Vigilante. We are easy to contact through our web site at http://www.monaghantidytowns.com or by calling myself at 086 3908504 or Cheryl at 0862270957 (after 4pm)”
Miss Brennan explained that Monaghan Town had made significant gains over recent years with a nine point gain in 2011. “We need to keep this momentum going. The refurbishment of the Diamond and Dublin Street was a big help last year. Old Cross Square has now been completed as well. We also have a number of projects going on including our biodiversity plan and signage and the development of our Junior Tidy Towns teams in various estates across the town.”
Already this year we’ve seen quite a few business premises painted in the town. We cannot stress how much this is appreciated as no amount of window boxes or baskets can disguise an untidy building or flaking paint. Last year our local awards judge commended the standard of local business premises in the town. The committee is continuing to work with owners of vacant premises as well and we appreciate their help in putting the best face on the town that we can,” she continued.
“Anyone who wants to get involved in any way is very welcome. We intend to have plenty of activities going on including our community clean ups and painting programmes this summer and we also welcome those who can help in their own time by signing up to be a Litter Vigilante. We are easy to contact through our web site at http://www.monaghantidytowns.com or by calling myself at 086 3908504 or Cheryl at 0862270957 (after 4pm)”
Sign Up to greenhome.ie and Help your Local Tidy Towns
Monaghan Tidy Towns is this week asking people in the town and across the county to sign up to Greenhome.ie and help the Tidy Towns effort.
“Greenhome.ie is a web site that aims to help householders and families to save money by doing simple things that will save energy and keep your bills down at the same time. Everybody wins in this equation,” says Committee Secretary Emer Brennan. “All you have to do is log on to the site and click on the “Register” link. Complete the form and at the bottom you will see a box for “county”. Click on Monaghan and below a box with choices including Monaghan Tidy Towns will open. Click on this and submit your registration. Once registered you can use all the facilities and advice pages on the site. There’s advice for individuals, schools, teachers and businesses. Green Home was developed as a framework to support and advise people on ways to save money on their household bills while protecting the environment. The programme focuses on the themes of waste, energy, water and transport and extends the Green-Schools message beyond the school gates into the wider community. The Green Home programme can be undertaken by an individual householder or as part of a group.
The programme focuses on four key household themes of waste prevention, water conservation, energy conservation and sustainable transport. Its all about sustainable living and crucially for the times we live in, saving money around the house.
“Greenhome.ie is a web site that aims to help householders and families to save money by doing simple things that will save energy and keep your bills down at the same time. Everybody wins in this equation,” says Committee Secretary Emer Brennan. “All you have to do is log on to the site and click on the “Register” link. Complete the form and at the bottom you will see a box for “county”. Click on Monaghan and below a box with choices including Monaghan Tidy Towns will open. Click on this and submit your registration. Once registered you can use all the facilities and advice pages on the site. There’s advice for individuals, schools, teachers and businesses. Green Home was developed as a framework to support and advise people on ways to save money on their household bills while protecting the environment. The programme focuses on the themes of waste, energy, water and transport and extends the Green-Schools message beyond the school gates into the wider community. The Green Home programme can be undertaken by an individual householder or as part of a group.
The programme focuses on four key household themes of waste prevention, water conservation, energy conservation and sustainable transport. Its all about sustainable living and crucially for the times we live in, saving money around the house.
Junior Tidy Towns Keep on Growing!! April 2012
Monaghan Junior Tidy Towns continues to grow with interest developing in estates across the town. Another satellite group of Junior Tidy Towns (JTT) has recently appeared in the Coolshannagh area. Under the watchful eyes of local parents and volunteers a new group has sprung up in the area and have hit the streets with the aim of keeping Coolshannagh spik and span.
Monaghan Towns Committee Secretary Emer Brennan commended local residents and parents who have established and supported the JTT groups along the way.
“By now our established JTT branches have achieved a remarkable amount. The residents of Cluain Lorcain have led the way and with them we established a sticker and badge reward system with recycling and biodiversity workshops and reward trips for hardwork. The challenge is to keep the momentum and keep growing this initiative across the town. The Tidy towns committee is indebted to those who are supporting this development on the ground. Other towns and villages across the county have shown great interest in what is being achieved here so we really have to compliment the residents and parents in the estates as without them it just wouldn’t happen,” she said.
With the help of Niall O’Connor and Carmel Brennan we are adding other activities for the “Juniors” and a number of insect hotels are being developed to supplement those already installed in schools in the town.
Monaghan Towns Committee Secretary Emer Brennan commended local residents and parents who have established and supported the JTT groups along the way.
“By now our established JTT branches have achieved a remarkable amount. The residents of Cluain Lorcain have led the way and with them we established a sticker and badge reward system with recycling and biodiversity workshops and reward trips for hardwork. The challenge is to keep the momentum and keep growing this initiative across the town. The Tidy towns committee is indebted to those who are supporting this development on the ground. Other towns and villages across the county have shown great interest in what is being achieved here so we really have to compliment the residents and parents in the estates as without them it just wouldn’t happen,” she said.
With the help of Niall O’Connor and Carmel Brennan we are adding other activities for the “Juniors” and a number of insect hotels are being developed to supplement those already installed in schools in the town.
NEWS UPDATES!
Residents Consultation Night 8pm Tuesday 8th May in the Westenra Hotel
(see Residents Consultation page)
Big Spring Clean Up - 28th April.
News Flash - Massive Tidy Up by JTT tonight 14/4/12 - now 49 kids from 2 - 17 years out tidying up their area. 49 now registered in Cluain Lorcain alone.
Next meeting April 10th in the Squealing Pig at 7pm. All welcome!
Monaghan Tidy Towns Ask All to Rise to the IBAL Challenge
Tidy Towns secretary
Emer Brennan
Sustained Excellence Award a Spur to Greater Achievement says Committee.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary Emer Brennan says that while the group are delighted to be one of nine towns awarded a ‘sustained excellence’ award by the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) group for remaining litter free for five years in a row, the challenge to be taken up is to stay in the top ten as regularly as possible and to ultimately, aim for the top spot.
“Monaghan was 5th in the previous round with only one site in the town scoring less than grade A. This time the adjudicators found three sites below the top grade. We must deal with this immediately and ensure that next time there are no sites that lower our overall score. The challenge is to get to the top spot, there no reason why Monaghan can’t get there. A lot of effort is being put in by the council, local businesses, schools, Tidy Towns, Junior Tidy Towns and the public but we need everyone to help. At the end of the day litter is entirely preventable,” she said.
“The IBAL group has raised a number of positives in this year’s results, including the improvement in respect of supermarkets. They singled out Lidl, who had previously been the target of criticism for the litter levels at some of their outlets’ car parks and who responded by appointing an official with a specific brief to improve the presentation of their sites.”
“A central message of IBAL’s campaign for 2012 is the need for towns to maximise their appeal in these straitened times as a place to visit, to shop and to live in. Being clean is a starting point for this and being clean is eminently achievable for any town. A clean vibrant image makes for more confident citizens, a better quality of life and contributes to tourism,” she continued. “With regard to the low scoring sites surveyed in Monaghan the IBAL report noted that they were all on very specific pieces of property and hence there should be ‘ownership’ of same. All three are close together and quite central in the town. The report stated that these weren’t just casually littered but neglected and suggested enforcement of the Litter Act. In fact IBAL is very strong on encouraging the use of litter legislation as a preventative measure as much as a cure,” she added.
Comments on the sites visited re listed below:
Dublin Street: Grade A. The individual properties were well presented along this narrow street – all aspects of the street were in very good condition.
McDonald’s: Grade A. This was a really pristine site. Not only was it clear of litter but the overall impression was very fresh and clean.
Monaghan Shopping Centre: Grade A. The road surface / signage / markings were in good condition and the overall impression was very positive.
Town Council Long Stay Car Park: Grade A. Bins and signage were in good order and there was a virtual absence of litter in this large car park. The road surface was somewhat uneven in places.
Corlat Roundabout to Town Centre: Grade A. This was an excellent site. It wasn’t just clear of litter but very fresh and clean in appearance – a top ranking site throughout.
Recycle Facility at Long Stay Car Park: Grade B. This site is steadily getting worse and could quickly slide to a serious litter problem. The area between some of the recycle bins had been ‘stuffed’ with plastic bags and the shrubbery area surround was in a poor state.
N2 – to Corlat Roundabout: Grade A. A highly commendable site – it was so clean and fresh looking, with neatly cut grass. All aspects of this road were in excellent condition.
Area around Clarke Group Site Office: Grade D. This was by far the worst site surveyed in Monaghan. It wasn’t just casually littered but seriously abused and neglected with all manner of industrial waste.
Area behind Cormeen Cabinets Ltd.: Grade C. Industrial waste was the main problem at this site. Sites don’t just get to this state overnight – clearly it has been abused and neglect for quite some time.
Area behind European Union House: Grade C. Food related litter and plastic bags were the main offenders at this site. The river banks and water’s edge were particularly poor.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee secretary Emer Brennan says that while the group are delighted to be one of nine towns awarded a ‘sustained excellence’ award by the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) group for remaining litter free for five years in a row, the challenge to be taken up is to stay in the top ten as regularly as possible and to ultimately, aim for the top spot.
“Monaghan was 5th in the previous round with only one site in the town scoring less than grade A. This time the adjudicators found three sites below the top grade. We must deal with this immediately and ensure that next time there are no sites that lower our overall score. The challenge is to get to the top spot, there no reason why Monaghan can’t get there. A lot of effort is being put in by the council, local businesses, schools, Tidy Towns, Junior Tidy Towns and the public but we need everyone to help. At the end of the day litter is entirely preventable,” she said.
“The IBAL group has raised a number of positives in this year’s results, including the improvement in respect of supermarkets. They singled out Lidl, who had previously been the target of criticism for the litter levels at some of their outlets’ car parks and who responded by appointing an official with a specific brief to improve the presentation of their sites.”
“A central message of IBAL’s campaign for 2012 is the need for towns to maximise their appeal in these straitened times as a place to visit, to shop and to live in. Being clean is a starting point for this and being clean is eminently achievable for any town. A clean vibrant image makes for more confident citizens, a better quality of life and contributes to tourism,” she continued. “With regard to the low scoring sites surveyed in Monaghan the IBAL report noted that they were all on very specific pieces of property and hence there should be ‘ownership’ of same. All three are close together and quite central in the town. The report stated that these weren’t just casually littered but neglected and suggested enforcement of the Litter Act. In fact IBAL is very strong on encouraging the use of litter legislation as a preventative measure as much as a cure,” she added.
Comments on the sites visited re listed below:
Dublin Street: Grade A. The individual properties were well presented along this narrow street – all aspects of the street were in very good condition.
McDonald’s: Grade A. This was a really pristine site. Not only was it clear of litter but the overall impression was very fresh and clean.
Monaghan Shopping Centre: Grade A. The road surface / signage / markings were in good condition and the overall impression was very positive.
Town Council Long Stay Car Park: Grade A. Bins and signage were in good order and there was a virtual absence of litter in this large car park. The road surface was somewhat uneven in places.
Corlat Roundabout to Town Centre: Grade A. This was an excellent site. It wasn’t just clear of litter but very fresh and clean in appearance – a top ranking site throughout.
Recycle Facility at Long Stay Car Park: Grade B. This site is steadily getting worse and could quickly slide to a serious litter problem. The area between some of the recycle bins had been ‘stuffed’ with plastic bags and the shrubbery area surround was in a poor state.
N2 – to Corlat Roundabout: Grade A. A highly commendable site – it was so clean and fresh looking, with neatly cut grass. All aspects of this road were in excellent condition.
Area around Clarke Group Site Office: Grade D. This was by far the worst site surveyed in Monaghan. It wasn’t just casually littered but seriously abused and neglected with all manner of industrial waste.
Area behind Cormeen Cabinets Ltd.: Grade C. Industrial waste was the main problem at this site. Sites don’t just get to this state overnight – clearly it has been abused and neglect for quite some time.
Area behind European Union House: Grade C. Food related litter and plastic bags were the main offenders at this site. The river banks and water’s edge were particularly poor.
2012 - A new Challenge!
Happy New Year to all. Our first meeting of 2012 will be next Tuesday 10th January at 7pm in the Squealing Pig. All welcome!
Keep up with our activities by checking our blog (under "More" above.
Keep up with our activities by checking our blog (under "More" above.
2011 - Big Improvement for Monaghan Town but Momentum must be Maintained
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee met this week for a “post mortem” on this year’s Tidy Towns results. Committee Secretary Emer Brennan said that the report was extremely positive and the addition of nine points to the towns score was the highest achieved in one year.
The adjudicator was very complementary of the development of the Diamond, Dublin Street and Old Cross Square and of our Paint and Windows programme. The report stated that efforts over the past few years are coming to fruition and commended the “impressive workload in a number of categories this year, particularly in relation to improving the built environment and wildlife and natural amenities has facilitated a significant increase in marks this year. We congratulate all involved for their efforts and we hope you can continue the momentum for the year head.”
The secretary continued, “The report made a number of suggestions for next year, many of which are already in train. Judging was in early June and a great deal of work has since been done over the summer which will help us with next year’s application. We know that there are still a few problem areas and problem buildings but we are delighted with the response from so many of the proprietors we have contacted so far this year. Even in the last week we have noted several buildings being painted and others being cleaned up. We all really appreciate this work. Flowers baskets cannot disguise unkempt or neglected buildings so getting the basics right is very important. We are an entirely voluntary committee so all help is greatly appreciated.”
“On behalf of the committee I would like to express our thanks to all the staff of the town and county council, the councilors who support our work, all of our volunteers, the schools who have worked on the Green Schools programme, the Junior Tidy Towns Committee, local businesses and residents groups and everyone who has supported the Tidy Towns effort this year.”
The adjudicator was very complementary of the development of the Diamond, Dublin Street and Old Cross Square and of our Paint and Windows programme. The report stated that efforts over the past few years are coming to fruition and commended the “impressive workload in a number of categories this year, particularly in relation to improving the built environment and wildlife and natural amenities has facilitated a significant increase in marks this year. We congratulate all involved for their efforts and we hope you can continue the momentum for the year head.”
The secretary continued, “The report made a number of suggestions for next year, many of which are already in train. Judging was in early June and a great deal of work has since been done over the summer which will help us with next year’s application. We know that there are still a few problem areas and problem buildings but we are delighted with the response from so many of the proprietors we have contacted so far this year. Even in the last week we have noted several buildings being painted and others being cleaned up. We all really appreciate this work. Flowers baskets cannot disguise unkempt or neglected buildings so getting the basics right is very important. We are an entirely voluntary committee so all help is greatly appreciated.”
“On behalf of the committee I would like to express our thanks to all the staff of the town and county council, the councilors who support our work, all of our volunteers, the schools who have worked on the Green Schools programme, the Junior Tidy Towns Committee, local businesses and residents groups and everyone who has supported the Tidy Towns effort this year.”
Tidy Towns Aiming for Straight A's!!
Nine A’s and One B in IBAL Results Point to Progress on Litter Front
Members of Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee have expressed their delight with the results of the most recent IBAL Litter League placing Monaghan 5th of 53 towns surveyed. Committee secretary Emer Brennan said that the result was a tribute to all those involved in tackling litter in and around the town over the past year. Of ten sites surveyed in Monaghan 9 received the top A grade with only one receiving a B grade. “Nine As and one B is a great result but we must keep up the good work and aim for straight As next time,” she said.
“The community effort involves a lot of people including the town council staff, businesses and residents, people who come out for our community clean ups, our schools - almost all of which are involved in the green schools initiative, our “litter vigilantes” who go out and collect litter in small groups in their own locality and everyone who refrains from dropping litter in the first place. All these people have all shown the community spirit and social will to deal with the problem. Prevention is still the most important thing. It is shocking that the council has to spend over a million a year on litter when litter is an entirely preventable problem and it is especially disturbing when there are so many demands on council funds.”
“Nevertheless, we are delighted to have made progress. We had the judge for our local awards here a week ago and he also praised the standard of cleanliness in all the estates and around the town. He also said that the standard of presentation of businesses here in Monaghan was as high or higher than he had seen anywhere else. We must build on this progress now and aim for the top,” she added.
Concluding she said that anyone who wanted to help in the Tidy Towns effort can contact any member of the committee or contact them by phone (086 3908504 after 4pm) or through the committees web site www.monaghantidytowns.com where the public can keep up to date with Tidy Towns activities.
“Our “Litter Vigilante” initiative is still open – we will supply pickers, high-vis vests and gloves to anyone who wants to take on litter in their own area. For some people joining our community clean ups doesn’t always suit but they want to keep their own area clean, the Litter Vigilante idea is perfect for them and they are still welcome to join Community Clean Ups as well when it suits them. Its all part of the war on litter!” she said.
Members of Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee have expressed their delight with the results of the most recent IBAL Litter League placing Monaghan 5th of 53 towns surveyed. Committee secretary Emer Brennan said that the result was a tribute to all those involved in tackling litter in and around the town over the past year. Of ten sites surveyed in Monaghan 9 received the top A grade with only one receiving a B grade. “Nine As and one B is a great result but we must keep up the good work and aim for straight As next time,” she said.
“The community effort involves a lot of people including the town council staff, businesses and residents, people who come out for our community clean ups, our schools - almost all of which are involved in the green schools initiative, our “litter vigilantes” who go out and collect litter in small groups in their own locality and everyone who refrains from dropping litter in the first place. All these people have all shown the community spirit and social will to deal with the problem. Prevention is still the most important thing. It is shocking that the council has to spend over a million a year on litter when litter is an entirely preventable problem and it is especially disturbing when there are so many demands on council funds.”
“Nevertheless, we are delighted to have made progress. We had the judge for our local awards here a week ago and he also praised the standard of cleanliness in all the estates and around the town. He also said that the standard of presentation of businesses here in Monaghan was as high or higher than he had seen anywhere else. We must build on this progress now and aim for the top,” she added.
Concluding she said that anyone who wanted to help in the Tidy Towns effort can contact any member of the committee or contact them by phone (086 3908504 after 4pm) or through the committees web site www.monaghantidytowns.com where the public can keep up to date with Tidy Towns activities.
“Our “Litter Vigilante” initiative is still open – we will supply pickers, high-vis vests and gloves to anyone who wants to take on litter in their own area. For some people joining our community clean ups doesn’t always suit but they want to keep their own area clean, the Litter Vigilante idea is perfect for them and they are still welcome to join Community Clean Ups as well when it suits them. Its all part of the war on litter!” she said.
| ibal_monaghan_1_2011.doc |
GET READY MONAGHAN TOWN - HERE COMES THE JUDGE!! 2nd August 2011
Emer and Cheryl with Richie Barry in Tallanstown 2/8/11
Monaghan Tidy Towns Launch Annual Awards 2011
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee are bringing an innovative approach to their annual awards this year with the arrival of a new judge from outside the county in the shape of Mr Richie Barry, Chairman of Tallanstown Tidy Towns – last years overall winning town.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan explained that the Tidy Towns Committee field trip in 2009 included a visit to Dundalk, Blackrock and Tallanstown, all of whom had won a prestigious gold medal for their efforts. “Field trips are very useful learning experiences and we were certainly made very welcome and given every assistance in Louth that year. When Tallanstown took the overall award in 2010 we were not surprised, having seen first hand the tremendous work done there.”
“Our own local awards were set up five years ago as part of our first development plan and every year we like to add something new. This year we’ve asked Richie to come and judge and give an outside perspective to our awards. We also intend to hold the awards much earlier than in previous years so Richie will visit before the end of the month to have a look at all the shop fronts, businesses, pubs, B&Bs, hotels and gardens. We would like to thank all the businesses and owners of premises who have revamped, painted, planted and spruced up their premises in the town this year. There’s still a week or two to get ready before the judge comes. Its amazing how much difference a lick of paint can make!”
Explaining the nomination process she added, “If anyone wants to nominate a building, a garden or a person for an award this year please they can do so by the following means – email – use the “contact us” form on our web site www.monaghantidytowns.com, text Emer or Cheryl at 086 3908504 or 0862270957 or contact any member of the committee.
We are especially interested in any new nominees for gardens this year – we’ve already spotted a few but if your neighbour or someone you know has a garden worth nominating please let us know and take a few photos as well. Self nomination is also allowed so don’t hide your light under a bushel. We need nominations as soon as possible. Every year we discover someone who has been working quietly in some way on behalf of the town and we like to recognise them through our Community Endeavour Award so if you know anyone who you think deserves to be recognised please let us know that too.”
The award categories are: Best Estate, Best Estate Entrance, Best Shop Front, Best Pub, Best Business Front, Best Hotel or B&B, Best Take Away or Restaurant, Best Garden, Best Floral Display and Community Endeavour Awards for special volunteers.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee are bringing an innovative approach to their annual awards this year with the arrival of a new judge from outside the county in the shape of Mr Richie Barry, Chairman of Tallanstown Tidy Towns – last years overall winning town.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan explained that the Tidy Towns Committee field trip in 2009 included a visit to Dundalk, Blackrock and Tallanstown, all of whom had won a prestigious gold medal for their efforts. “Field trips are very useful learning experiences and we were certainly made very welcome and given every assistance in Louth that year. When Tallanstown took the overall award in 2010 we were not surprised, having seen first hand the tremendous work done there.”
“Our own local awards were set up five years ago as part of our first development plan and every year we like to add something new. This year we’ve asked Richie to come and judge and give an outside perspective to our awards. We also intend to hold the awards much earlier than in previous years so Richie will visit before the end of the month to have a look at all the shop fronts, businesses, pubs, B&Bs, hotels and gardens. We would like to thank all the businesses and owners of premises who have revamped, painted, planted and spruced up their premises in the town this year. There’s still a week or two to get ready before the judge comes. Its amazing how much difference a lick of paint can make!”
Explaining the nomination process she added, “If anyone wants to nominate a building, a garden or a person for an award this year please they can do so by the following means – email – use the “contact us” form on our web site www.monaghantidytowns.com, text Emer or Cheryl at 086 3908504 or 0862270957 or contact any member of the committee.
We are especially interested in any new nominees for gardens this year – we’ve already spotted a few but if your neighbour or someone you know has a garden worth nominating please let us know and take a few photos as well. Self nomination is also allowed so don’t hide your light under a bushel. We need nominations as soon as possible. Every year we discover someone who has been working quietly in some way on behalf of the town and we like to recognise them through our Community Endeavour Award so if you know anyone who you think deserves to be recognised please let us know that too.”
The award categories are: Best Estate, Best Estate Entrance, Best Shop Front, Best Pub, Best Business Front, Best Hotel or B&B, Best Take Away or Restaurant, Best Garden, Best Floral Display and Community Endeavour Awards for special volunteers.
Official Launch of our New Web Site 25/7/11
Monaghan Tidy Towns Launches New Web Site
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee launched their new web site this week. The site, which details the activities of the committee, can be accessed at www.monaghantidytowns.com. Cllr David Maxwell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council launched the site in the newly revamped Diamond. Town Clerk Marie Deighan and several members of the committee were in attendance. There were apologies from Cllr Sean Conlon and Cllr Robbie Gallagher.
Cllr Maxwell said that the web site would be a valuable means of communication between the public and the committee.
“The public will be able to see what’s going on with Tidy Towns in Monaghan very easily and they will have the opportunity to post comments and make contact on a range of issues. The committee will also use the site to showcase their activities and projects. The Tidy Towns Committee works closely with the Town Council in creating their three year development plans and the council horticulturalist is a dedicated member of the committee. We can see the benefits of this strategy in the town today. We are delighted with the many favourable comments being made about how the town is looking this summer,” he said.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the committee would like to see plenty of feedback and ideas from the public, both regarding the site itself and the Tidy Towns effort in the town.
“The site is a work in progress and we hope it will continue to develop over the months and years ahead with regular updates and new projects. We want to involve as many people as possible and particularly the Junior Tidy towns element which is so important for the future,” she said.
Monaghan Tidy Towns Committee launched their new web site this week. The site, which details the activities of the committee, can be accessed at www.monaghantidytowns.com. Cllr David Maxwell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council launched the site in the newly revamped Diamond. Town Clerk Marie Deighan and several members of the committee were in attendance. There were apologies from Cllr Sean Conlon and Cllr Robbie Gallagher.
Cllr Maxwell said that the web site would be a valuable means of communication between the public and the committee.
“The public will be able to see what’s going on with Tidy Towns in Monaghan very easily and they will have the opportunity to post comments and make contact on a range of issues. The committee will also use the site to showcase their activities and projects. The Tidy Towns Committee works closely with the Town Council in creating their three year development plans and the council horticulturalist is a dedicated member of the committee. We can see the benefits of this strategy in the town today. We are delighted with the many favourable comments being made about how the town is looking this summer,” he said.
Committee secretary, Emer Brennan said that the committee would like to see plenty of feedback and ideas from the public, both regarding the site itself and the Tidy Towns effort in the town.
“The site is a work in progress and we hope it will continue to develop over the months and years ahead with regular updates and new projects. We want to involve as many people as possible and particularly the Junior Tidy towns element which is so important for the future,” she said.
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May 2011
PAINTING THE TOWN WITH TIDY TOWNS!
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CALL TO GET CRACKING FOR TIDY TOWNS IN MONAGHAN
Businesses and residents encouraged to scrub and paint for judge’s visit 2011 25 5 2011
Members of Monaghan Tidy Towns are asking everyone in Monaghan Town to do their bit in advance of the Tidy Towns judge’s visit which could happen any time from June 1st next. Committee members say that they are deeply appreciative of all the voluntary work done so far this year but add that everyone who keeps their own home or business front clean, tidy and painted is also doing a very important service to the town, it’s economy and the community.
“Looking after your own patch is so important. Well kept premises encourage neighbours to follow suit and the whole town benefits. If charity begins at home then so does getting ready for Tidy Towns. Clean, tidy and well painted shops, businesses and homes combined with well kept public areas are the face of the town for locals and visitors. The addition of colourful floral displays brings a dash of colour and style. The Tidy Towns competition is now over 50 years old and continues to go from strength to strength. The town has improved over 66 points since our first development plan was drawn up in 2004 but we still have a way to go,” explained Tidy Towns Committee Secretary Emer Brennan.
“A lot of paintwork on buildings throughout the town has suffered damage due to the frost in December and January so we are asking people to check the exterior of their premises and get the paint brush out if necessary! Its time too to get the hanging baskets and window boxes out as they should be safe from frost from now on. Its hard to beat them for adding a little cheer to your home or shop front. Several premises around the town including some who featured in our awards for 2010 such as Mc Guirk’s Fuels in Old Cross Square and Dinkins in Church Square are already showing the way and we really appreciate that,” she concluded.
Members of Monaghan Tidy Towns are asking everyone in Monaghan Town to do their bit in advance of the Tidy Towns judge’s visit which could happen any time from June 1st next. Committee members say that they are deeply appreciative of all the voluntary work done so far this year but add that everyone who keeps their own home or business front clean, tidy and painted is also doing a very important service to the town, it’s economy and the community.
“Looking after your own patch is so important. Well kept premises encourage neighbours to follow suit and the whole town benefits. If charity begins at home then so does getting ready for Tidy Towns. Clean, tidy and well painted shops, businesses and homes combined with well kept public areas are the face of the town for locals and visitors. The addition of colourful floral displays brings a dash of colour and style. The Tidy Towns competition is now over 50 years old and continues to go from strength to strength. The town has improved over 66 points since our first development plan was drawn up in 2004 but we still have a way to go,” explained Tidy Towns Committee Secretary Emer Brennan.
“A lot of paintwork on buildings throughout the town has suffered damage due to the frost in December and January so we are asking people to check the exterior of their premises and get the paint brush out if necessary! Its time too to get the hanging baskets and window boxes out as they should be safe from frost from now on. Its hard to beat them for adding a little cheer to your home or shop front. Several premises around the town including some who featured in our awards for 2010 such as Mc Guirk’s Fuels in Old Cross Square and Dinkins in Church Square are already showing the way and we really appreciate that,” she concluded.