Overall Development Approach
Welcome to the 2010 National TidyTowns Competition. Thank you for your submission, which included the completed application form and a report on the work of the TidyTowns committee and your plans for the future. Your efforts to reach out to the wider community are commendable and we note your many sources of communication. Also, your successful liaison with the local schools and youth organisations, Kerry CountyCouncil, FÁS, Leader and North Kerry Walks is obviously paying dividends. Moyvane Tidy Towns Committee is working as a catalyst to bring these various strands together in the best interests of the village.
The Built Environment
The mural on the gable of Kennelly’s old building gives a glimpse to past traditions of the village. Within the village core, there still remains a range of high-pitched corrugated iron roofs (originally thatched roofs) located throughout the village. These roofs are in need of repainting in some cases but they still retain the shape and form of earlier times. Perhaps, a co-ordinated colour scheme could be arranged for these historic buildings and a number of storyboards erected on selected buildings to illustrate your very interesting heritage. There is a nice cluster of public buildings on the Listowel Road and the school, containing some colourful planted tubs, and the church looked very well. Opposite, the Garda Station had a nicely manicured front lawn and was brightly coloured. The car park at the church was clean and well maintained and this area was being power hosed on the day of adjudication. The Moyvane Motors with its barrel-vaulted roof has a pleasant rural shape but there are too many signs here. The presentation here would visually benefit from a reorganisation of signage. The Con Brosnan GAA Park had freshly painted white walls and changing rooms. At the community hall, the forecourt was in need of some weed control. At the village centre, a number of commercial buildings have an attractive range of colourful window boxes and hanging baskets which greatly enlivened this area. The former C.C. Shine shop and residence was admired and this premises is worthy of preservation.
Landscaping
The Park on Knockanure Road and the walk to the church is a fine amenity and the adjudicator enjoyed a little time here. The wooded lane contains a fine range of trees and the committee are to be congratulated on its management programme and ongoing planting here. The wheelchair and pram access of the Knockanure Road entrance is a good feature. Some signage here was in need of renewal. The Grotto was nicely presented and, at the school, your TidyTowns plaque for ‘Best New Entry Award’ was impressive. At the Lime Kiln Walk a hedge, planted along the concrete post and rail fence, would have a significant, visually softening effect. Some graffiti on the back of the bridge wall should be removed. The line of hanging baskets on the School Road looked very well.
Wildlife and Natural Amenities
The production of a brochure was a fine undertaking and certainly adds to the experience of the visitor. The environs of the village has a nice range of wildlife habitats such as the Wood Walk and the Lime Kiln Walk and these areas would be ideal starting points to further develop this agenda. Perhaps the committee could request the Green Flag school to carry out an audit of wildlife at the Wood Walk, an area with an abundance of bird life at present, with a view to erecting some information boards based on the results of the survey.
Litter Control
Your litter campaign is obviously having successful results as the village was almost litter free. There was a small scattering of litter along the Knockanure Road. Congratulations on your participation in the National Spring Clean initiatives.
Waste Minimisation
It is noted that you are planning an information night with Michéal O’Coiléaín, Kerry County Council Environmental Officer, to further develop new initiatives on waste minimisation, and that a clothing bank has been added at the Bring Centre. The presentation of the Bring Bank at the Community Centre could be freshened up.
Tidiness
Many of the issues raised in last years report still require attention, particularly in relation to painting, and this issue remains a problem. The Estuary garage is very unsightly and creates an unfortunate vista at the entrance to Woodlands. Two rusting vehicles, and some external storage of scrap, further compound the problem. Litter bins at the school, and at Woodlands, were in need of attention.
Residential Areas
Individual residences and gardens are generally presented to a high standard and two houses close by Homestore were particularly admired. Woodlands has an attractive entrance and well maintained grassed areas and shrubberies. The scheme has a good layout with a number of large open spaces. Grass cutting was unevenly maintained in some areas. The woodland backdrop looked magnificent. Perhaps further tree and shrub planting here would strengthen the link with the existing woodlands. As the committee is aware, a mistake occurred in your mark in this category last year affecting the overall mark. This mistake has been corrected in this year’s report.
Roads, Streets and Back Areas
You have some very attractive approach roads, a number containing strands of wildflowers. However, their presentation was very uneven and some verge cutting was needed. Announcement signs were well presented and welcoming. Three unsightly circular plastic wrapped hay bales were stored at the announcement sign at the Tarbert entrance road.
General Impression
Moyvane TidyTowns Committee continues to make valiant efforts to counter the indiscriminate dumping and littering so prevalent in all areas of our countryside. Your CCTV installment at the recycling facility is commendable as is your planned, social history project to portray and preserve tools and artefacts of your rural, agricultural heritage. Well done also on the Lime Kiln initiative!
