How Your Money Has Made A Difference
The proceeds of property tax provide tangible benefits to communities across the Nenagh Municipal District – from Toor to Terryglass, from Cloughjordan to Ballina and lots of places in between. So how is your money spent? And how does it make a difference?
Ability Swing Christmas 2020 in Nenagh 2020 was a year where a lot of sadness and difficulty was experienced. Anything which represented hope and light was welcome – and what better time for this than Christmas! In order to bring light into people’s lives and to support the business community at a time when they had a small window of opportunity to make up for trade lost during lockdowns, the members agreed town of Nenagh. All agreed that these to invest in new Christmas lights for the really made a difference! L-R: Justin Collins (Julie’s brother), Fergus Collins (Julie’s Dad), Julie Collins, Nicola Welford (Julie’s Mum). Comments from Facebook & blogs about Christmas 2020 in Nenagh included: In 2020 an ability swing was provided in Ballina in the Riverside Park. ‘Beautiful showcase of ‘This has certainly worked as This was a small addition to the facilities but it was a big addition for Julie Collins. Her mother, Nicola Welford said ‘the swing has been an absolute joy for Julie since it was Nenagh at Christmas’ the town is buzzing, albeit with first installed in December. We use it at least two or three times a week and it has now ‘Nenagh looks fabulous’ masked shoppers!’ given her a reason to return to her local playground’. The family also met with a young man from Scarriff and his carer and showed them how to use it. He is twenty-six and it was his first time on an ability swing. They also engaged with other families. Other projects which benefited from the allocation of the proceeds The photos above are from the first day that Julie used the facilities. of the increase in property tax in 2020 included: n Upgrade of Skehana Playground n Nenagh 800 and the Nenagh Live initiative Recognition of achievements of Terryglass Improvements Association n Drainage & Footpath Upgrade at Arravale, Newtown These funds also supported two promotional opportunities for Nenagh n Provision of Controlled Crossing on Main St., Ballina & District – the launch of Nenagh 800 and the Nenagh Live initiative in n Bus Set Down Area at Cloughjordan No. 2 N.S. December 2020 and February/March 2021. While many of the events planned for 2020 could not go ahead due to the coronavirus, nevertheless Nenagh still marked the 800 Painting & Enhancement Scheme years of its development. In 2020 a Painting & Enhancement Scheme was The ‘Nenagh Live’ initiative took place in two strands – Christmas 2020 and St. Patrick’s Day rolled out in Ballina, Borrisokane, Newport, Festival 2021. This was an on-line platform Cloughjordan and Nenagh. used to promote Nenagh as a location to This saw 117 premises across the District who brightened shop, visit and be entertained. Its principal their premises – new signage, fresh paint, hanging aim was to provide support to the business baskets & window boxes all helped enhance the community of Nenagh. It brought together streetscape of our towns. Further premises will benefit the various sectors and communities that under the 2021 scheme. And a big thank you to all the make Nenagh what it is and provided L-R: Cllr Hughie McGrath, Cathaoirleach property owners who participated in the scheme. In entertainment, information and nostalgic Cllr Joe Hannigan & Cllr Séamus Morris addition to improving the attractiveness of the individual recollection while showcasing businesses at the Launch of Nenagh 800 properties this scheme also provided employment to and performers. painters & decorators across Nenagh MD and there was a spin-off in terms of business for local hardware shops. ‘Nenagh Live’ reached out to an audience at home and abroad. The Christmas initiative It also provided encouragement & support to business reached in excess of 572,000 people with over 229,000 video views. The St. Patrick’s Day owners at a time when they were facing challenges. Festival reached 304,144 people with 73,000 video views, 7,417 likes, 4,721 shares and In June 2021 one business even went on the Nenagh 3,985 comments. Guardian to express their appreciation for the Painting & Enhancement Scheme which transformed the outside appearance of their building. And hopefully the Tidy Towns Committees will also reap the rewards with additional marks this year!
During the current year, the programme of works will continue. Specific projects funded through the GMA/LPT for 2021 will include:
n Upgrade of public toilets in Newport – this will complement other projects being carried out including the near by Newport Town Park which will be completed in the Eva Birdhthistle, current year. Manager of n Improvement works on the road linking Burgess Graveyard and Burgessbeg and Nenagh Arts Centre onwards to the Coum area. presenting Bubba Florence Ryan of Shakespeare with his n Installation of non-contact water dispenser & bicycle repair station Birdhill. Ryan’s Fruit & Veg, one n Munster Blades with prize for winning the Improvement works to alleviate flooding on the L10371 – road to Kilruane Church of the many businesses ‘Song for Nenagh’ & Graveyard. Nenagh Castle in background to participate n Footpath improvement works at Grange Road, Ballina. n Drainage works, footpath and surface restoration at Derg Manor Estate, Dromineer. n Financial contribution during Covid-19 pandemic towards the Nenagh Leisure Centre Your money does make a difference! and Nenagh Arts Centre.
Nenagh Guardian 32x7 (260) AC