Limerick TidyTowns Groups Look to Cleanup in National Competition

Over 100 Limerick TidyTowns Groups from across the city and county gathered in the Woodland’s Hotel, Adare, to learn how they can improve their overall marks in the annual competition.

Organised by Limerick City and County Council and supported by West Limerick Resources and Ballyhoura Development Association, the annual event also heard how the year round work carried out by Limerick TidyTowns Groups, resident associations and another community-based group is “making Limerick a more attractive and vibrant place to live and visit”.

Limerick TidyTowns Groups adjudicator Billy Flynn addressed the crowd, by outlining the background to each of the competition categories and advised them on how Limerick TidyTowns groups can improve their overall marks.

Sinead McDonnell, Environmental Awareness Officer with Limerick City and County Council provided attendees with information and advice on the range of supports available to Limerick TidyTowns groups. Meanwhile, Dr. Liam Lysaght of National Biodiversity Data Centre explained the Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities category of the competition, including the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, data recording and invasive species. The presentations were followed by a questions and answers session.

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Photograph L-R: Billy Flynn, Tidy Towns Adjudicator, Kieran Lehane, LCCC, Dr. Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre and Cllr. Ger Mitchell, Deputy Mayor.
Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters

“This annual seminar gives local TidyTowns groups the opportunity to take stock of Limerick’s overall performance in the competition and identify ways in which further improvements can be achieved,” said Cllr. Gerald Mitchell, Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick.

“In recent years, TidyTowns groups in Limerick have placed a greater focus on community involvement and encouraging local residents, community groups and businesses to work together to improve the overall appearance of their respective areas. This approach has reaped dividends for them and Limerick’s overall performance in the competition,” he added.

Meanwhile, a special presentation was made on the evening to the communities of Moyross, Adare and Kilteely for their respective successes in the TidyTowns Special Waste Prevention Category, Tidy Towns Tourism Category and the IPB Pride of Place competition.

Limerick’s participants in the 2016 national SuperValu TidyTowns competition are hoping to follow the example of the 2015 successes of Adare  who were Gold Medal, County Winners, Ardpatrick, Newcastlewest, Kilmallock and Galbally the Bronze Medal winners, ‘Special Endeavour’ winners, Abbeyfeale and Moyross Residents Forum who were awarded the ‘Waste Prevention’ honor.

Check out Limerick TidyTowns online here

For more information on the seminar check out their Facebook here

See more of the great work Limerick TidyTowns have done here