Tidy Towns 1999

"Caring for our environment"

Centre : County : Category : F

Results Date of Adjudication : 15-07-1999

Maximum Mark Awarded Mark Awarded Mark 1999 1998

Overall Developmental Approach 50 26 - -

The Built Environment 40 29 - -

Landscaping 40 20 - -

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 30 19 - -

Litter Control 40 20 - -

Tidiness 20 11 - -

Residential Areas 30 21 - -

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 40 20 - -

General Impression 10 5 - -

TOTAL MARK 300 171 - - Bishopstown/Wilton/Model Farm Road

OVERALL DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH The participation of these large highly populated urban areas located in the environs of Cork city in the Tidy Towns Competition is to be welcomed. The areas in question are spread over a wide area which makes it much more difficult for all these to tie into the various aspects of the Competition. Nevertheless, since a start has now been made, the combined areas will hopefully benefit from participation but in particular from planing for the future within the framework of the Competition. It is suggested therefore that these centres either combined or separate should now begin to draw up a three or five year plan of works which would be of benefit for successful future participation in the competition, work which would also have the effect of enhancing the environment generally for the resident population.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Throughout the area incorporating the three centres, there is a large variation of buildings including some important industrial, educational and medical establishments in addition to the very large number of residential areas. The standard of these buildings generally is very good. The presentation of Bishopstown Post Office was quite good. Educational centres such as Bishopstown Community School and Cork Institute of Technology were both well presented also. Church buildings which are always prominent in a community looked very well and these included the Church of the Descent of the Holy Ghost on Wilton Road, St. Peter’s at Carrigrohane near the Model Farm Road and the more modern church building of the Church Presence on Curraheen Road. The premises of the Irish Guide Dogs Association on Model Farm Road was very neatly maintained. The ESB premises at Wilton and the Cork Business Technology Park at Model Farm Road were both well maintained as was the large building of Cork University Hospital at Wilton. The premises of the Bishopstown Credit Union on the Wilton Road was neatly maintained.

LANDSCAPING The standard of landscaping in almost all of the areas was quite good. Landscaping in the large green open areas such as that on Melbourn Road looked very well. The landscaping/planting at the large Wilton roundabout was very well maintained. The landscaping at Bishopstown Park looked well.

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AMENITIES In such highly populated areas, it is very important that careful consideration be given to wildlife and natural amenities aspects of the areas overall. The Curraheen River Amenity Walk area has very good potential; there is a good foundation here for a very worthwhile amenity. In its present state however it is not well maintained, pathways etc. would need to be better maintained. Also the ruin of the historic site in this area would need much more attention by way of tidying up etc. It is suggested that when such tidying up is complete, an explanatory plaque or plaques be put in position on the ruin giving an outline of its history etc. Also at that stage indication signs for the walk-way , ruin etc. could be erected. It is further suggested that when a long term plan for these areas (already referred to above) is being drawn up, expert advice should be sought on how best wildlife could be encouraged i.e. the designation of specific habitat, wetlands etc. or the planting of appropriate trees, shrubs etc. which could be likely to attract wildlife.

LITTER CONTROL Like most other communities, the battle against litter has to be a continuous one. In areas where there is a high population density, industrial development etc., there has to be an even greater vigilance in dealing with the litter problem. The litter situation seemed to be reasonably well under control in many of the residential areas. At the time of adjudication, the greatest amount of litter in view was at the entrance to and in the area adjoining the Fas Training Centre at Bishopstown; in the adjoining car park there was also a large amount of litter. There was also a considerable amount of litter at the entrance to the Department of Agriculture’s Laboratory on Model Farm Road. Litter bins are obviously in place at several locations throughout the three areas but again when a plan is being drawn up, the provision of further litter bins at some strategic points should be considered. It was also noted that there was some litter at the entrances to, as distinct from within, some residential parks and estates and perhaps a greater awareness of this could be created in the future.

TIDINESS There was a good level of tidiness throughout the area when it is considered that all areas are extremely busy in various facets of life and activities plus the high residential content throughout. However there are areas where improvements could be brought about, for example, the large open area at the Athletics Track in Bishopstown near the Tennis Village on Model Farm Road was quite untidy – there was high grass, weed growth and litter along the walls at the entrance. This was in complete contrast to another recreation centre i.e. Leisureland – Bishopstown –here the entire area was very tidy and well presented. The entrance to the Garda Station and the adjoining green area at the Garda Station in Bishopstown was tidy and well presented. That area in the vicinity of Bishopstown House ruin and Curaheen Park/ Riverside Walk would need a tidying up.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS There is an abundance of residential areas throughout these three areas. In general there is a very good standard in the various residential areas. The large residential areas with good landscaping etc. looked very well. Other residential areas such as St. Joseph’s Lawn and Woburn Drive were also well presented. In Model Farm Road, the many residential areas here were well presented. Also houses and gardens at Wilton Gardens were also well maintained.

ROADS, STREETS AND BACK AREAS The main approach road from Bandon to Bishopstown was quite tidy. The approach road to Model Farm Road from was reasonably tidy but there were some stretches along the Model Farm Road which were rather untidy at the time of adjudication. The Wilton Road area was quite tidy. Roads intersecting at various residential parks, estates etc. and minor roads in the area were well maintained. It was noted that a number of traffic signs poles and signs throughout the area were in need of cleaning and this should be attended to. The name place sign for Sarsfield Road at the Wilton Roundabout was broken and in need of replacing. The finger post signs at Model Farm Road and Carrigrohane for St. Peter’s Church were both unclean and in need of repainting.

GENERAL IMPRESSION These are thriving, vibrant areas located within the environs of a growing city. The committees are right to concern themselves with the wider question of environmental, recreational facilities etc. By beginning to participate in the National Tidy Towns Competition the communities can advance their own areas in many respects. It is also a useful vehicle for residents in any community to make input to the general improvement of the communities. You are wished every success in your efforts.