Overall Development Approach
Moyvane Development and TidyTowns Association is welcome to the 2008 competition. You would appear to have a reasonable sized committee given the size of the village. You would also appear to work well with Kerry County Council, Leader, North Kerry Together, FAS, North Kerry Walks and Tuatha Chiarrai. The provision of a schools liaison officer to meet with schools and youth clubs is commendable. We were sorry to hear of the lack of interest by the community in general, despite the enthusiasm of the schoolchildren. Would it be possible to get the children involved in recruiting their parents to your cause? Are there new residents to the village who could be recruited?
The Built Environment
Business premises generally looked well cared for on the day, as did public buildings for the most part, of note being the Health Centre, Post Office, Carney’s and Nolans. There is a fine tradition of plasterwork as you noted in your submissions. Shines is a charming traditional shopfront as is O’Bronachain’s also. Newtownsandes Co Op was very well maintained, for a building of its type. The Newtown Athletic Soccer Club stone wall was admired. We look forward to seeing your future museum of local heritage in years to come. Some of the galvanised tin roofs of the village – we note they were formerly thatched from your submission – should be repainted before next year’s competition. The mural at the junction of the Glin Road was admired but the gable it was located on appeared to be a bit grubby. Another attractive mural was noted opposite the National School. The Church and adjacent School and Community Centre were admired – perhaps there is scope for further tree planting to the roadside in this location? The restoration of the lime kiln is a fine piece of heritage for the village. We look forward to the erection of an information board in this locality. Planting of hedging and shrubs is commendable. We look forward to completion of the development at the derelict site on Glin Road. The erection of townland signage, bilingual signage and information boards are looked forward to.
Landscaping
The planting of 350 trees to the rear of the church car park is an excellent initiative and more attractive landscaping was noted to the church car park itself. The landscaping at the roadside along by the Community Centre and GAA Grounds and School was greatly admired, particularly as it is of a permanent nature rather then just a seasonal display. Replacement of damaged trees is commendable. The ongoing maintenance and re-sowing of the wild flower area on the Glin Road is a worthwhile initiative.
Wildlife and Natural Amenities
The completion of the nature trail is good to hear of. The information boards at the limekiln and in the centre of the village will be of great benefit to visitors to the areas.
Litter Control
Some litter was evident along the main street, on the nature trail and some more to the car parking area outside the GAA grounds. Some of the litter bins were in need of a repaint as they were not in the best of condition, although the bin at the nature trail was admired. The regular litter clean ups in conjunction with local residents, youth club members, and the National School is commendable and the school clean ups sound interesting, particularly as segregation of the waste takes place.
Waste Minimisation
We were pleased to hear that you segregate the waste collected in your clean ups. The erection of signage at the recycling area is a good idea. Have you looked at the idea of composting and conducting composting workshops?
Tidiness
The old garage abandoned on the Knockanure Road looked unfortunate. Outbuildings should not be neglected when considering overall presentation – one on the Knockanure Road particularly admired and would benefit from restoration. Do ensure that the building materials are removed once work is complete – some concrete blocks were evident on the Glin Road and the adjudicator was not sure if this was for future development or had work been complete in this regard? Ongoing maintenance of footpaths and kerbs is commendable. When considering weed control, ensure that you use environmentally friendly products. Work on derelict and disused sites is commendable. Some graffitti was evident to a bench on the nature trail where piles of gravel appeared to have been abandoned.
Residential Areas
An attractive garden with Easter lilies was admired on the Knockanure Road. The stone walling to houses on the Tarbert Road is most effective in its consistency. We were delighted to hear of the development of housing estates in the area in order to re-populate it. You would appear to have a positive approach to this development which is all to the good. The encouragement of the general upkeep of houses and gardens is worthwhile. We look forward to the bilingual and townland signage.
Roads, Streets and Back Areas
The verges were quite overgrown on approach roads such as the Tarbert Road, the Listowel Road and the Knockanure Road. The Glin Road was in better condition and the bog oak sculptures in this location were greatly admired. This road affords the visitor a marvellous view to the church spire beyond as you approach from this direction. Welcome signs on all approach roads looked most cheerful and were well presented. Replacement of fencing on the Listowel Road is commendable and we are pleased to hear of the resurfacing of the footpath in this location and along the Tarbert Road. The new footpath to the kiln is looked forward to and we look forward to its completion.
General Impression
Moyvane is a charming working town whose residents show an obvious interest and care in its presentation and its unique history. Good luck with your future endeavours.
