Tidy Towns 1998

"Caring for our environment"

Centre : BALLINAMORE County : LEITRIM Category : B

Results Date of Adjudication : 30-06-98

Maximum Mark Awarded Mark Awarded Mark 1998 1997

Overall Developmental Approach 50 31 29

The Built Environment 40 26 25

Landscaping 40 27 26

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 30 22 22

Litter Control 40 27 26

Tidiness 20 11 11

Residential Areas 30 23 22

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 40 25 24

General Impression 10 7 7

TOTAL MARK 300 199 192 Ballinamore, County Leitrim

OVERALL DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH Congratulations to the Ballinamore Tidy Towns Committee and the community on their endeavours this year. Many of the items mentioned in last years report are receiving attention and you are all working towards achieving the result which your development plan set out last year. An excellent community spirit pervades the town and Ballinamore is set to achieve its full potential in the National Tidy Towns Competition in the near future. Thanks is due to the Committee for returning the completed questionnaire and excellent map.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The high standard of presentation of public buildings is still being maintained . Well done to all concerned. The Catholic Church is probably the finest building in the Main St. with its lovely flower beds. The Genealogical Centre still maintains its high standard. St. Felims looked well and the schools on the Carrick approach were well maintained with nice grounds and boundary walls (Well Done). The Church of Ireland has a nice stone wall and well kept grounds. The presentation of commercial premises on the Golf Course Road is excellent spoiled only by the untidy machinery yard in the middle of them. Well Done Ballinamore Textiles, Rehab Centre, Fire Station and the Shannon/Erne Waterway Offices. Other buildings worthy of comment are AIB Bank, Credit Union, Priors (a blaze of colour) Colm’s, Slieve an Iarainn Hotel, Commercial Hotel, Murphy’s Newsagents, McGirls, Coach & Horses, Dolans, Scorpio Boutique, Pat Joes, Smiths Hostel and Reynolds. The remarks in last year’s report regarding shop materials being displayed on the street has still to be addressed. When work has been completed on the Centra Store it will be an asset to the Tidy Towns effort. There are at least two derelict houses on the left of the Killeshandra approach, one with furniture strewn in the front garden.

LANDSCAPING As last year, landscaping is becoming one of Ballinamore’s best features. The Marinas on the Shannon/Erne Waterway are beautifully landscaped with good stonework. The display of hanging baskets, flower boxes, flower tubs throughout the town is a credit to the entire community. The amenity area in front of St. Felims is lovely with its seating, treeplanting, shrubby and flower beds. The fountain which is now completed is impressive (pity about the rubbish floating in it), excellent stonework. The households on the Carrigallen Road deserve great praise for their colourful hanging baskets. The area on both sides of the river going through the centre of the town has been improved considerably (Well Done).

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES The area at the Canal basin is as you are aware an ideal habitat for wildlife. Glad to see that the photographs of the mallard ducks are taken and should be on display next year.

LITTER CONTROL Ballinamore appeared to be litter free on adjudication day. Some residual litter was visible in the main street and their was a litter bin full to overflowing on the Carrick approach (as last year). Well done again regarding the stream near the AIB building, cleaned up and completely litter free.

TIDINESS As already mentioned the untidy machinery yard on the Golf Course Road is still untidy, Screening could help the committee to overcome this problem. The timber yard on the Carrigallen approach as stated in last years report also requires this type of treatment. Some screening has been carried out on the Willowfield Road but unfortunately it still does not hide the unsightly oil tanks and abandoned cars which mar its appearance. The screening of derelict sheds on this road has been much more successful (Well Done) We look forward to the completion of the development project at the rear of the Centra Building. It will be a great addition to Ballinamore and your Tidy Towns endeavours. Three abandoned vehicles are on view in the front garden of the derelict house opposite the Trathnona Estate. The McGirl monument is maintained to an excellent standard. There is a very untidy yard opposite the garage on the Carrick Road.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS Many of the houses on the approach roads are extremely well maintained. Brightly coloured houses, beautiful floral displays and excellent boundary walls. The Trathnona Estate as last year was well presented. The housing estate on the left of the Killeshandra approach was reasonably well presented. Most of the houses and gardens looked well, however, the grass in the open green areas needs trimming. It had just started on adjudication day. Full credit to all the residents of the terrace of houses on Church Lane. Stunning presentation.

ROADS, STREETS AND BACK AREAS Most of the approaches to Ballinamore were well presented. Verges trimmed and hedgerows cut. The Welcome to Ballinamore signs with their nice flower beds are most attractive. The Carrick approach has a nice footpath and kerbing and the Committee have done a good job on the road margins. Roadworks are ongoing on the Carrigallen Road and some lovely stone work can be seen on the Golf Course Road. Building opposite stone wall a bit untidy. Nice little green amenity area here. In general stonewalls and treeplanting are a feature of all approaches. Where possible the footpaths (some of which are in a poor state of repair) should be replaced.

GENERAL IMPRESSION An excellent community effort. Perseverance is the key. Well done and keep up the good work.