Tidy Towns 1996

"Caring for our environment"

Centre : CADAMSTOWN County : OFFALY Category : A

Results Date of Adjudication : 28-06-96

Maximum Mark Mark Awarded

Overall Developmental Approach 50 33

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 30 21

Landscaping 40 29

The Built Environment 40 29

Litter Control 40 30

Tidiness 20 13

Residential Areas 30 20

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 40 21

General Impression 10 7

TOTAL MARK 300 203 Adjudicator's Comments

OVERALL DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH The information which was provided on the entry form, the map of the village and the hand-out on the Giants Grove and the walks from Cadamstown, together with the leaflet and area map on Cadamstown itself, were most helpful to the Adjudicator. The Committee does seem to have broad community support and the input from the County Council, Shannon Development and FAS are making an obvious impact on the overall appearance and presentation of the village. From l997 onwards, the new criteria for entry to the Competition will require each centre to draw up a development plan and work programme covering a 3 - 5 year period to guide the local Committees activities. These development plans should set out clear objectives and achievable targets for each year of the period covered. The plan could be circulated throughout the community and to the various statutory bodies and other relevant agencies so that all are aware of the Committees agenda and can work with them to achieve its ambitions for the village. In Cadamstown, this focused, planned and co-ordinated approach should begin to show results sooner rather than later.

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES This is a new section in the competition but already Cadamstown has taken it on board. The nature trail, rich in a variety of wildlife, and its beautiful river/ sylvan setting is a good example to other villages in the area. Tidy Towns groups can have an important role to play in protecting, enhancing and increasing the wildlife value of their own place and nature conservation should be a priority on their agenda. The very informative display map in the car-park on the nature trail is excellent. The other walk, the Mill Walk, is a good example of another initiative in this area. The other walks and the open up the surrounding countryside the Slieve Blooms to visitors to the village and this whole development is to be complimented.

LANDSCAPING The landscaping and planting along the river and in the vicinity of the old mill, at the bridge, in the car park and at the amenity/picnic area beside this are worthy of note. The work of the Committee and its helpers are to be commended on their efforts here and also the North Tipperary County Council for their provision of facilities for the disabled.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The few public and commercial buildings in the village are all well maintained and presented - the parish Church ( St. Lughna 1842 ) is an attractive building with very well maintained grounds and surrounds, the village pub ( Dempseys) looks clean and inviting, the Post Office and the nearby tea-room complete the scene. The old mill, the castle ruin, the nearby ruins of Letter Abbey and the restored holy well ( Tobar Lughna) are also part of the built environment which have been incorporated so well into your plans.

LITTER CONTROL The village was clear of litter on the day of adjudication and some workers (FAS) were busy cleaning up around the bridge and out the Clonaslee road.

TIDINESS Apart from the absence of litter, the village was neat and tidy throughout. The car-park, the amenity area beside it, the area around the Post Office and opposite along the bridge - all similarly well maintained. Tidiness, as a main priority of the Committee, is well placed.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS The few private residences in the village all seem to be making a contribution - those out the Clonaslee road, the residence attached to the pub, the tea-room, the bungalows beside the old mill, the long two storey house next to these, the large new house out the road - ( the grounds being landscaped ?) all are worthy of mention. The vacant property for sale in the village will hopefully be improved either by their existing owners or the purchasers of same when sold.

ROADS STREETS AND BACK AREAS The main approach roads from Kinnity and Clonaslee need closer attention to the maintenance of the grass verges and hedge rows. However, the new stone walls being built at the turn-off for the Abbey and the older stone walls into the village and elsewhere are an attractive feature. Signposting and display maps and other signage are good, especially the Slieve Bloom Environmental Park map which must be of great assistance to visitors to the area. The other two minor approach roads ( Ballyboy and Sisken) need only some tidying up and trimming back to remain as pleasant country roads.

GENERAL IMPRESSION The overall impression one gets in Cadamstown is of a peaceful, attractive village sitting comfortably in its natural rural setting on the slopes of the and nestling along the wooded banks of the Silver River. The small community are working hard to retain the naturalness of their location without spoiling the general impression by over prettifying their village. Cadamstown is obviously a better place through their efforts, for both visitors and the local community alike. Hopefully, Fraughan Sunday will attract many visitors next month to enjoy this very pleasant village.

SECOND ADJUDICATION (14/08/96) The village stole a lead on others with very well integrated natural amenities and an array of activity signs for long and short walks. The objective of putting the village on the walking map seems clear, and it is hopefully attracting visitors and is definitely achieving a sense that it is a centre for activities. It is hoped that the community will be able to build on this. The village was remarkably litter-free - let down only in one location. The two adjacent buildings for sale present an unfortunately dilapidated appearance. Failing the acquisition by new owners, the committee might be able to attempt a temporary cheering-up for next year