Tullamore Tidy Towns AGM reveals extensive work conducted in 2021
The Tullamore Tidy Towns AGM took place upstairs in Hugh Lynch's pub recently as the group reported on a successful 2021 and prepares for an exciting year ahead.
Highlights from last year noted by the Tidy Towns Chairman Ray Carroll included the National Spring Clean day coordinated by Tidy Towns and Team Tullamore.
Tullamore River Otter Survey Triturus Environmental Ltd. were commissioned by Tullamore Tidy Towns, with the support of the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), to undertake a baseline otter survey of the Tullamore River.
The survey was undertaken along 5.8km of river channel from April to May last year and identified the most important areas for otters along the river in the town. Survey results to be released at a public information session in the coming months.
The committee have agreed to put a memorial seat in place to honour late colleague and friend Emer Groonell. The seat, with a dedication plaque, is located outside the cemetery and it is intended to hold a small unveiling ceremony in the coming weeks.
The national Tidy Towns Competition had to be cancelled in 2020 and last year the competiton toook place online with the introduction of a online entry form and remote judging. Tullamore's entry was regarded by the adjudicator as very professional and of a high standard.
The local Tidy Towns group won their 7th gold award in a row in the national competition along with a commendation award at county level and Geashill won Ireland’s Tidiest Village in 2021.
The town also continues to rank well in the national Irish Business Against Litter league with the latest results showing Tullamore to be clean to European standards. Lloyd Town Park achieved its Green Flag, an International accreditation for public park excellence for the 6th year in a row.
Individual committee members and other volunteers were commended for their commitment amid their efforts in continuing to pick up litter around their own areas and walking routes.
In the last year, Tidy Towns partnered with Offaly County Council for the Tree of Hope project. They planted six trees at Arden Road under an initiative which the former Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Carroll, launched to plant trees in each town and village in Offaly to recognise the sacrifices made by local communities during the pandemic.
There are plans to reseed the wildflower meadow at Fiona’s Way as the planting did not turn out as well as expected last year.
As part of Tullamore Living River Project committee members along with Shannonside Sub Aqua club worked with Offaly County Council on a major clean-up on Tullamore River on October 9. Shopping trolleys, bicycles, chairs, a television and general litter were removed from a stretch of the river from the newly developed wetlands at Kilcruttin to Millenium Square.
Tullamore Tidy Towns could not carry out these projects without funding and the group was not able to have the annual church gate collections in the past two years but this will resume next August.
Outgoing Chairman, Mr Carroll is appealling for volunteers to join the group saying “A helping hand is all that’s needed. Whatever your skill set there is a welcome and a place for you on our committee.”
New officers were appointed at the meeting with Shane Murray taking over the reins as the new Chairman.
Further information is available at tullamoretidytowns.ie