Tidy Towns 2002

"Caring for our environment"

Centre : GARRYSPILLANE County : Category : A

Results Date of Adjudication : 06-07-2002

Maximum Mark Awarded Mark Awarded Mark 2002 2001

Overall Developmental Approach 50 29 27

The Built Environment 40 28 27

Landscaping 40 27 24

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 30 17 17

Litter Control 40 26 26

Tidiness 20 13 13

Residential Areas 30 19 18

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 40 24 22

General Impression 10 7 7

TOTAL MARK 300 190 181 Garryspillane,

OVERALL DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH

Thank you for forwarding the comprehensive entry form, map of Garryspillane area to be adjudicated and an up date of the Development Association. The prize for best regional first time entry has stimulated the energetic committee into further commitment to the Competition. It is said that success breeds success so keep up the good work. It is obvious also that the community is fully supportive of your efforts.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The improvement taking place at the Co Op Stores (not complete yet as there is left over stone still lying around) is very welcome as it was a focal point as one entered from the direction and to be honest not very inviting at that. The new road surface is welcome but has created its own problem as quite a lot of motorists on route to Limerick or Mitchelstown do not adhere to the speed limit. It may be necessary to put in place a traffic calming measure similar to Daly Cross . It is good to note that there are plans for new stonewalls that will fit with existing wall from the Cross of the Tree to Garryspillane PO Cross. The business premises in the locality deserve immense credit for the manner of presentation. Hinchys, now probably the best known Opel Dealer in Munster, was in splendid condition, the Welcome Inn was very colourful and has been revitalised over the last few years. The Post Office the focal point of the village, enhanced by the excellent planting scheme nearby was in top condition. Dairygold has improved even further this year with the addition of new stone flower beds at the main fence, also the yard was much tidier than before. There are a number of bridges on the Ballylanders side, on the Kilross Road and at the Port Road up to Glenbrohane all these were painted and tidy. The standard of private residences and farmsteads was very good with adjacent yards in acceptable condition. The proposed sculpture, at Garryspillane Cross, depicting the history and culture of the area is a novel undertaking. If you hold out until 2004 Limerick hurlers or dare I say it Footballers may have won another long awaited All !!

LANDSCAPING

The standard in this category was even better than last year there have been a few new additions and existing planting arrangements have matured significantly. The planting scheme at Garryspillane Cross has now become an objective of favourable comment by passing motorists. Other little improvements such as the treatment of the gate at the Ballylanders/Galbally junction where green mesh acts as a backdrop as well as a protector of the planting arrangement are very worthwhile. Adjudicators do notice these things!

As was the case last year there were a some excellent examples of colourful and well-maintained private gardens as well colourful hanging baskets and tubs to be seen around the village as defined in the sketch map. WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES

It is a pity that you have encountered local opposition to the pond project, which you so enthusiastically promoted last year. Keep optimistic and when least expected issues could be resolved and you will be able to press ahead with your idea.

LITTER CONTROL

There was no litter evident on the day of adjudication and this is praiseworthy as often in area where you have a large volume of traffic some motorists are not that civic minded. The weekly clean up by individuals in the village is paying off.

TIDINESS

The standard was up on par with last year, even allowing for the fact that is a farming heartland there was very little residue seen at roadsides. Individual properties were almost free from weed growth, which in fairness has been hard to control this year because of the inclement weather.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Garryspillane is in reality a fairly extended village without any great concentration of houses or commercial properties. Some of the sub headings under this section area really not applicable to such small villages. Suffice to say that the village area is really the residential area and in overall terms the standard of presentation was very good.

ROADS, STREETS AND BACK AREAS

The main road artery Limerick/Cork or vice versa if you like looked very well, enhanced by some excellent planting arrangements, stone walls and neatly cut back verges. Some of the new trees planted over the last few years are now maturing, these have been well looked after and have not been allowed to become smothered by too much ground growth. The Link roads, except for a little overgrowth on the Port Road, were quite tidy cut back according to recommended guidelines and benefiting from the addition of some nice planting arrangements.

GENERAL IMPRESSION

The Garryspillane Tidy Towns Committee is extremely active; the winning of what was a major award for the village a few years back has generated a lot of local goodwill. The area has a lot of positive things going for it and is lucky that everybody seems to be working towards the same goal of improving the look of the village.

The traffic problem is something that can be taken up with local Council or indeed the Roads Authority.

Keep up the good work.