Increased Tidy Towns score for Nenagh

Nenagh's Tidy Towns committee and associated groups have been congratulated on an improved performance in this year's national competition.

The town was awarded a score of 336 points in the recently released 2022 Tidy Towns results, an eight-point increase on last year. In their report, the adjudicator stated that it had been some time since they last visited Nenagh, "and in the interim period many positive changes have occurred".

The adjudicator noted that "the task that faces a voluntary committee in addressing issues pertaining to a town the size of Nenagh is quite daunting," though more than 20 organisations assisting in Tidy Towns work were counted. Particular mention was given to the local Active Retirement Group and Men’s Shed. The adjudicator also visited Nenagh's schools and observed that "the Green Flag programme was very much to the fore".

"It is great to see the spirit of good grace and cooperation at its best in the reopening of the Wellness Garden," the adjudicator commented, also mentioning the new Tourist Office as "a wonderful bonus to the town".

PAINTING AND ENHANCEMENT SCHEMES

The adjudicator found that 61 Nenagh premises have benefiting under the Tipperary Co Council-run Painting and Enhancement and Streetscape Enhancement schemes in 2021/2022, providing "a major plus for the enhancement of the core area of the town".

But also referenced was a "detailed documentary" provided by the Tidy Towns committee in relation to derelict and unoccupied properties in Nenagh and its surrounds. "In fairness, it's not sugar coated and you have mentioned eyesores that the adjudicator noted on the walkabout. The important thing is that the issue has been highlighted and it also realises that to effect change, many parties need to be involved including the local authority," the adjudicator stated, adding however that "Nenagh certainly has less derelict and unoccupied properties than similar sized towns that this adjudicator has been in over the years".

On a more positive note, the report on Nenagh highlighted that "some very fine shops fronts were to be seen and the most notable were Powells and The Half Door in the Northville area, Phillip Ryan on Silver Street and the long established Hibernian in the centre of town". Also deserving mention were "McQuaids quirky musical emporium, John Slattery Gents and Ladies Fashions, Glass and Design and Picture Framing on Summerhill".

The adjudicator observed that the grounds of St Mary of the Rosary church were "a haven of tranquility", while "further visit to Castle gardens is due to spending more time appreciating the tranquility of the place, and indeed an excuse to revisit Nenagh in a different context".

WINDOW BOXES

Also impressive was the presentation of many business premises in Nenagh, which had window boxes, hanging baskets, and tubs. Some had "very fine two-tiered planters made from recycled material".

The adjudicator wrote of the contribution of local man Albert Nolan - "a font of knowledge on matters of Biodiversity" - to Nenagh's presentation.

The council's Civic Offices came in from praise, as did the "school children from St Mary's NS, who participated and came up with their novel ideas, and let's not forget the excellent teachers who facilitated the work involved. Binbot could be a winner in time to come. Well done to Arrabawn, DCAuto Spares, and Shirley Cards on their very innovative environmental impact project."

'BLACK SPOTS'

Traversing the inner parts and extremities of the town by foot, the adjudicator was of the view that "standard litter control was a little mixed". A "number of litter black spots were noted and photographic evidence recorded.

"Nenagh is a large town and it is hard to manage litter control and other related problems such as dog fouling. Many volunteers, through various groupings, are involved in regular litter picks, as well as the local authority, but there are people in every town or village that don’t seem to have a pride of place mentality."

The adjudicator agreed with the local Tidy Towns committee's view that "there is a need for additional waste bins in the core area of the town". While dog fouling was not deemed overly problematic, the report recommended more "mutt bins" in outlying areas.

Elsewhere, local residents associations were complimented on keeping their respective areas tidy. Wolfe Tone Terrace and MacDonagh St had been greatly enhanced.

"In general, the presentation of private housing in the town core was excellent and this was complemented by standards seen in the suburbs," the adjudicator stated. They also took time to view Annbrook Heights, Yewston, Cudville Green, Brookville Green, Brookville Drive, Derrylavin Heights, Bulfin Crescent, The Hawthorns, and St Joseph's Park, among others. "With a few exceptions, all were very well presented."

"One feels that residents of Nenagh are doing their level best to project a good image of the town by keeping their homes, frontages, and gardens in such good condition."

Regarding Nenagh's approach roads, it was reported that the Thurles road entrance to the town was enhanced by "some very fine homesteads with well-maintained frontages. The entrance from Silvermines into Silver Street was equally impressive."

Also attracting praise was the N52 bypass walking and cycling route with its newly-installed lights.

In conclusion, the adjudicator observed how covid-enforced restrictions caused local catering businesses to "rethink methods of survival, and hence the outdoor dining options" developed in tandem with the council. The pedestrianisation of Hanly's Place was mentioned.

"The upgrading of some pedestrian crossings is to be welcomed but there are a few around the town that need to be re-stenciled, as the paint on them has faded badly."