Tidy Towns 1997

"Caring for our environment"

Centre : County : NORTH Category : B

Results Date of Adjudication : 09-07-97

Maximum Mark Awarded Mark Awarded Mark 1997 1996

Overall Developmental Approach 50 37 34

The Built Environment 40 28 27

Landscaping 40 28 28

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 30 17 16

Litter Control 40 27 27

Tidiness 20 13 13

Residential Areas 30 19 19

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 40 27 27

General Impression 10 6 6

TOTAL MARK 300 202 197 Toomevara,

OVERALL DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH From the comprehensive material submitted with the entry form it is abundantly clear that Toomevara Tidy Towns Committee have charted their development very well. This is a great example of forward thinking and of having a unified approach to the development of a town or village. Because of the nature of Toomevara, with the main Dublin - Limerick road giving heavy traffic constantly this poses special problems for a village community. Co-operation with local authorities and organisations is obviously essential to progress work and Toomevara seems to excel in this respect. The number of people working on projects on the day of adjudication was edifying. There was painting, restoration, grass cutting and work on the riverbank in progress. This reflects the results that are to be seen in the village.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The general state of presentation of buildings is high. Sean Ryan's, Kinanes Kitchens and the parochial Hall would benefit from attention to bring them in line with the efforts made with other buildings. The Toomevara action plan by is a substantial document and addresses the buildings clearly in the village. Work that results from this will be of tremendous benefit. The Jose Moloney Pub and Tipperary Inn are well presented. The Tipperary Inn has many protruding signs - maybe a little modification could tone this a fraction. The one building with old pumps and materials could benefit from a little tidying. New wall building in Toomevara is attractive and well done.

LANDSCAPING The landscaping on the outsides of the village is very attractive and well cared for. At the road the grass and shrubberies are well tended and give a very nice appearance. The green has been nicely landscaped and now time is all that is needed to allow this area to mature so that the benefits of this scheme can be realised. The old church behind this is interesting and some control of bindweed and other weeds would help. The school offers scope for landscaping and it is always good that schools have pleasant grounds as this influences in a positive way the children attending. The old Church of building was a little untidy. While it is attractive to allow the grass and wildflowers grow, pathways and areas at doors need to be more neatly maintained. The landscaping at the hurling field is very good and this gives an excellent impression on entry to the village. The tree planting scheme on the road outside the village is a great project and this will play an important part in the future. More Ash, Beech, Chestnut and Sycamore could be planted where space allows rather than the small ornamental trees as the former give great character to a town.

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES The preservation of land on the Nenagh - Limerick road outside the village for wildflowers is a good idea. This will take time to develop but a start is so important. The sign is attractive but needs some attention at the moment. The river must offer interesting possibilities too. Perhaps less severe cutting back of the riverbank would be wise. Certainly burning the vegetation as was occurring on the day of adjudication is unadvisable. By getting advice and involving schools in wildlife projects headway could be made at these sites.

LITTER CONTROL Being part of a busy main route to Nenagh and Limerick poses problems of litter control always. Toomevara is handling litter very well and very little litter was noticed.

TIDINESS In general Toomevara is a tidy village and this impression is given on a drive through. On closer examination there are a number of situations where attention to detail - shop premises, gardens, weed control would improve the overall scene.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS The residential area on the road by the RC chapel and school was attractively presented. The painting condition and the gardens showed a very good sense of pride in the village. Residential properties on the main street were variable and those with well presented gardens contribute greatly to the appearance of the village.

ROADS, STREETS AND BACK AREAS The new tree planting on the approach roads in Toomevara is a great credit to the village. These trees will benefit the village for future generations and reflect a very positive attitude. Within the village many well painted and presented buildings give a well cared for look. Leaving some natural vegetation behind grass verges is very desirable and gives the entrance to Toomevara from Dublin an attractive style.

GENERAL IMPRESSION Toomevara is a very welcoming village and caters well for the passer by with the lovely picnic area. There is an air of activity and great interest evident within the village. Many projects are ongoing and the committee seem to have been able to co ordinate a broad range of organisations and people into improving the village.