Wednesday, September 13, 2006

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Tidy Towns Competition 2006

Adjudication Report

Centre: Shannonbridge Ref: 850

County: Offaly Mark: 240

Category: B Date(s): 07/07/2006

Maximum Mark

Mark Awarded 2006

Overall Development Approach 50 31

The Built Environment 50 36

Landscaping 50 34

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 50 21

Litter Control 50 32

Waste Minimisation 20 4

Tidiness 30 16

Residential Areas 40 27

Roads, Streets and Back Areas 50 32

General Impression 10 7

TOTAL MARK 400 240

Overall Development Approach:

Thank you for the completed entry form and the map of the village and its surrounds.

It was noted that an update of last years plan was not included, which is more the pity as it would have

allowed the adudicator to benhmark work done since then.

There is a good practical working relationship between the committee and other relevant parties interested in

the welfare of Shannon Bridge,so long may it continue.

Do engage with the school to advise pupils of your particular role in the community and to get them interested.

The Built Environment:

There has been an excellent effort on the part of homeowners and business premises alike to present the

good side of the Village of Shannon Bridge.

It was noticeable on what was a good summer's day that most premises had been or were in the process of

being painted.

A few recently refurbished houses in the village are very much in keeping with the street scape although one

was slightly bemused at the style of PVC window installed in one house -unusual to say the least. The

renovated thatched house on the outskirts on the Cloghan road is an eye catcher.

The road surfaces have been improved over the last few years and this adds to the attraction of the large wide

main street.

The addition of the extended tar macadam foot path to the Power Station has practical benefits as well as

looking like a job well done

The Church and School were in acceptable condition painted in bright colours with side areas and boundary

walls well maintained.

It is noted from your application that you intend to approach owners of derelict or unoccupied premises to

encourage them to address the problems that are not contributing to the betterment of Shannonbridge.

The Bog Oak is on offer as a potential development property be vigilant and make sure anything that goes up

is in keeping with existing fabric of the village.

The Harbour has been tastefully developed over time and was pretty busy on the day.

And the old fort has become a commercial activity and an economic contributor to the village.

Landscaping:

The proposed step to put in place a tree planting programme for the village is a very good idea.

Trees are the most important plants in any urban or village setting.

The planting arrangements in place at the moment are very appropriate and one arrangement as one exits to

Cloghan was much admired for its content and attractiveness. It is a pity that it faces on to a stark boundary

wall that could be upgraded.

A reminder to attend to the shrub bed on the same side as the aforementioned wall, it needs to freshened up

and thinned out as it is a little raggy at the moment.

The hanging baskets and trailing containers over Morans and Killeens were admired for colour but too much

clutter does not help both frontages.

The B&B down the street had nice simple window boxes and there was very attractive garden adjoining the

house next to the thatched establishment.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities:

The idea of developing walkways is a good one,but in the interim an effort should be made prior to next year's

competition to put together a proposal for a mini wildlife project.

This would be a good way to involve local school children who then should be given guidance to make the

project their own.

The area has many local wildlife habitats that could be used a base for any such project and the small wild life

garden maybe the ideal location to start with.

Litter Control:

The litter control was good but one has to keep on top of it as some was evident inside that previously

mentioned boundary wall at the Cloghan end of the village.

Again children could be asked to become involved in clean ups on a regular basis.

Waste Minimisation:

Consider a project under this category, prior to next years competition,that will complement what you are

doing in the promotion of the recycling facilities at the marina jetty.

The publication that was included with the original application form will help you identify ideas that are keeping

with concept of better waste management.

Tidiness:

The signage opposite the thatched cottage is very obtrusive and indeed not that helpful in identifying places

easily.

21 signs ranging from directional to a billboard for Louise Killeen Concert were counted on the day- far too

much and something that should be brought to the notice of Offaly County Council.

Was planning permission needed for all of these ?

The concrete fence opposite the Church needs to be repaired and re painted.

Overall the local people are doing their utmost to put the best side of Shannonbridge to the forefront.

Residential Areas:

The excellent standard of village premises was commented upon in an earlier section of this report. This was

matched in equal measure by St Kieran's Park which has a very well maintained green area supplemented by

nice shrub beds that were well tended to.

The name stone needs to sand blasted and maybe re sited to more visible position

Roads, Streets and Back Areas:

The road surfaces were good and there are nice views as one enters from different sides.

The Roscommon entrance over the bridge gives you a vista of the Shannon although the bridge itself could o

with a little adornment to match the lights.

The link road to the Power station was excellent and the road from Cloghan was very acceptable although it

had some weed growth at base of kerbside in places.

The Clonmacnoise Road too was fine and the verges, on what is a narrow road,were cut back.

General Impression:

The village is improving each year so it is important that you keep the commitment going.

Do the utmost to maintain the level of partnership you enjoy with both statutory and local organisations.

This partnership appraoch will lead to a continuation of the progress you have made to date.

Keep up the effort and the village will make further progress in the years ahead.

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