Eight points gain for Tidy Towns Committee

THERE’S a certain irony in the fact that the passing of Mrs. Sheila Twomey and the publication of the national Tidy Towns results should coincide.

One of the most avid gardeners and conscientious upholders of the Tidy Towns philosophy in the area, Mrs. Twomey’s reposing at Tangney’s Funeral Home on Monday brought the nucleus of the committee together.

“She was incredible. If you had a Sheila Twomey in every road here in town we’d be well away,” said one member in tribute. May she Rest in Peace.

The committee members were pleased at their increased points total and delighted that their latest recruits on Limerick Road came in for favourable mention in the course of the report.

Castleisland and its irrepressible Tidy Towns working group and its growing off-shoots gained a fine, eight points in total over last year’s adjudication.

While that’s heartening in itself, so too is the fact that there were gains in all but one of the eight categories of the competition. And there was no point loss in any category. See the chart for the full rundown. Fair play to the adjudicator, who called here on June 24 th, for noting the many improvements and the strides ahead made by the committee even over the past twelve months.

Clearly a devotee of the Con Houlihan style, the adjudicator refers to ‘Castle Island’ throughout the report and doesn’t put a foot wrong in calling out all that’s good about the town and its immediate environs.

There is no shying away either from areas where improvements may be brought about or places littered during the visit.

Also noted was the infestation of Japanese Knotweed which is becoming ever more apparent along the river-walk in recent years.

However, it’s on the positives the report was clearly based as the extra points awarded will testify.

The gist of the report becomes apparent in the opening paragraphs.

Like all such reports there are inconsistencies here and there that may make you stop and think. But they usually move area by area and you’ll work out where they’re referring to as you read on.

“Castle Island is a very busy work town in North Kerry and you work hard in conjunction with many relevant bodies to improve it.

“You have put great effort in this adjudication year alone - 42 meetings and events attended by Castle Island, and that does not include any litter picking or informal meetings. This is great effort for a voluntary group who do not get paid!

“Your adjudicator was delighted to read your long-term plan. This was a very thorough document and for each proposed action it had included the status, a comment and also highlighted who was responsible for each action.

“In this layout it is very easy to follow and should be a useful strategic document for you. Your map was very useful and refreshing to have a hand drawn one that was good. Maybe add the industrial park area onto this please? It was also very good to read that you have groups in all residential areas of the town.

“This is a good approach and seems to be working well for you. You work closely with all relevant bodies and schools – most of whom have already gained their green flags.

“As volunteers you are exceptionally hard working and focused in your efforts. You cannot all be thanked individually, and no doubt it can be hard to keep your spirits up, but well done on your efforts.” You can read the full report at tidytowns.ie.

INSET: Clonough Bridge as you never saw it before as part of its flower bedecked and manicured approach road surroundings. The late Mrs Sheila Twomey who passed away on Sunday.