Plenty of silver linings at the Tidy Towns AGM
THE AGM of Macroom Tidy Town Committee took place recently before a good sized audience in the Castle Hotel.
The committee was delighted to report that Macroom had been awarded a Silver Medal in 2016 because, in its category, it was within 20 points of the national winner. The medal was accompanied by a framed certificate and a cash prize of €700, a very welcome addition to the coffers.
The meeting was opened by Martin Coughlan, chairperson for more than 30 years. Martin welcomed everybody to the meeting. He thanked the volunteers who work mostly on Saturday mornings and who have greatly improved the appearance of the town in recent years.
He was delighted that their wonderful work was recognised and rewarded with the Silver Medal. He also expressed gratitude to Blarney/Macroom Municipal Council and Cork County Council for their support and he especially acknowledged the assistance of Town Engineer James Dwyer.
Their office and outdoor staff have been excellent and have provided all possible help, he stated, adding that the committee was blessed to have Martin so strategically placed to advance its cause.
Martin outlined a number of problems that need to be addressed. A major difficulty is the lack of finance as many of the next tasks will cost a lot of money. The committee also needs a home as, presently, their gear is housed in Bealick Mill and access can be awkward.
Secretary John Lyons, also in position for more than 30 years, gave a detailed account of the committee’s activities for the past year.
The officers met for ‘ house-keeping’ duties and also with council officials on a regular basis. A newsletter was prepared and more than 1,400 copies were distributed.
Mr Lyons said the judges’ observations form part of next year’s programme. A new fiveyear plan needs to be initiated and the committee is consulting with the relevant bodies with plans that it will be ready by late May.
Projects under consideration are the Mill Dam, the shrubbery in front of Oakwood, and The Mart area.
It is also hoped to erect more outdoor gym equipment and the committee is very keen to have murals in any part of the town.
Liaison with the Residents’ Associations is vital, and Mr Lyons pointed out that a €300 grant is available annually for each estate and, if obtained, would make a great difference. The flower baskets, sourced in Ballyvourney, were a great success, with feeding and watering continuing until October, the meeting also heard.
The Tidy Towns volunteers have been involved in a number of initiatives including: litter picking, planting flower beds, washing and maintaining street furniture, and weeding the walls in Castle Street and various laneways.
With Mr Coughlan, John Lyons met with some Tidy Town judges who emphasised that each town concentrate on their local areas and anything – a ruin, an old shed – if presented properly, could become an attractive feature.
Much emphasis is placed on amenities and the environment and they strongly encourage engagement with businesses, residents’ groups, like-minded organisations such as the Men’s Shed, schools and individuals for the promotion of sustainable resources and waste management.
Treasurer Judy O’Sullivan produced impeccable accounts and the committee is in a healthy financial state. However, if the committee had more money and volunteers, greater improvements could be made. Grants and the Church Gate Collection are the principle sources of income, supplemented this year by the €700 cash prize.
The reports were adopted and the officers were returned. There followed an open forum and this was an education. The depth of knowledge of the committee was profound. Some points that came to light included the fact that a grant for painting the outside of houses is available but the presence of potholes in some streets makes painting ineffective.
Many instances of illicit household dumping are taking place with fire-ashes being one of the most frequent items found.
Some of the stuff taken from bottle-banks was ‘unbelievable’.
Consideration is being given to the use of cameras, and people are advised to report or challenge such anti-social behaviour.
By contrast, the civic behaviour of French students recently visiting Macroom was noted and commended.
The committee fervently wishes for more volunteers and more finances.
It faces 2017 with confidence, vigour and ambition; it is determined to further enhance the town and move closer to a national award.