DONALDSON TOURISM & HERITAGE CONSULTANCY
Listowel, Co Kerry 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan Strategic Planning for Tidy Towns 2011 - 2013 Frank Donaldson
This Report provides an analysis of Listowel under each adjudication category and identifies recommended projects for consideration by the Tidy Towns Committee. Marks targets are suggested for each of the three years covered by this Plan.
November 4, 2010
[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Executive Summary This 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan covers the period 2011 to 2013.
This Plan makes a total of 133 recommendations across the various Tidy Towns adjudication categories. A total of 39 recommendations are made in respect of the Built Environment Tidy Towns adjudication category. A further 35 recommendations deal with the issue of tidiness. The Tidy Towns Committee is asked to add the year or years in which each recommendation is best implemented based on their knowledge of local circumstances.
Detailed marks targets have been set for the planning period. In 2010 Listowel received a total of 301 marks, just seven behind Tallanstown, Co Louth the national winner. A target of 306 marks has been set for 2011, 313 for 2012 and 319 for 2013. These are really challenging targets at this level of the Tidy Towns Competition.
The achievement or near achievement of these targets will require a major effort from the Tidy Towns Committee and all relevant agencies, organisations and the community at large in the Listowel area.
Frank Donaldson 10th November 2010.
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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................7 Background ............................................................................................................................................7 This Report .............................................................................................................................................7 Recommendations for Action .................................................................................................................7 Safety of all Volunteers ..........................................................................................................................7 Updating of Plan ....................................................................................................................................7 Tidy Towns Handbook ...........................................................................................................................8 Analysis of Tidy Towns Marks 2006 – 2010 ..........................................................................................8 Strengths and Weaknesses .....................................................................................................................9 Marks Growth ......................................................................................................................................10 Performance Benchmarking ................................................................................................................10 SWOT Analysis on Listowel .................................................................................................................12 The adjudication categories .................................................................................................................13 OVERALL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH........................................................................................................14 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................14 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................14 The Tidy Towns Plan ...........................................................................................................................14 Adjudication Boundaries......................................................................................................................14 Extending adjudication boundaries .....................................................................................................14 Tidy Towns Entry Documentation ........................................................................................................14 2010 Entry Form ..................................................................................................................................15 Tidy Towns Diary .................................................................................................................................15 Documentation .....................................................................................................................................15 The adjudicator ....................................................................................................................................15 Town Map ............................................................................................................................................16 Are all organisations /agencies involved? ...........................................................................................16 Best Practice ........................................................................................................................................16 The Media ............................................................................................................................................16 Planning Applications ..........................................................................................................................17 Tidy Towns Evening .............................................................................................................................17 THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................18 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................18 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................18 Listowel Wildlife ..................................................................................................................................18 Signage.................................................................................................................................................18 Graveyard Mapping .............................................................................................................................18 Heritage Town .....................................................................................................................................19 Hanging Signs and Shop Fronts ..........................................................................................................19 County Council Offices ........................................................................................................................19 Mural ...................................................................................................................................................19 Information Panel ................................................................................................................................19 Plant Entrance .....................................................................................................................................20 Community Centre ...............................................................................................................................20 Near Church Car Park .........................................................................................................................20 Racecourse Bridge ...............................................................................................................................20 Mart .....................................................................................................................................................20 P Tarrant & Sons .................................................................................................................................21 The Grotto ............................................................................................................................................21
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Ecclesiastical Building .........................................................................................................................21 Hospital ................................................................................................................................................22 School...................................................................................................................................................22 Railway Bridge.....................................................................................................................................22 Lartigue Building .................................................................................................................................22 Listowel Business Park ........................................................................................................................22 Vaughan Factory .................................................................................................................................22 Famine Graveyard ...............................................................................................................................23 Family Resource Centre.......................................................................................................................23 Library .................................................................................................................................................23 Cinema .................................................................................................................................................23 Post Office............................................................................................................................................23 The Square ...........................................................................................................................................23 Church Street .......................................................................................................................................24 St John’s Theatre & Arts Centre ..........................................................................................................25 Catholic Church ...................................................................................................................................25 Listowel Castle .....................................................................................................................................25 Condensation .......................................................................................................................................26 Church Street .......................................................................................................................................26 Lighting ................................................................................................................................................26 Harp & Lion .........................................................................................................................................26 Architectural Trail ...............................................................................................................................26 Golf Club..............................................................................................................................................27 River Bridge .........................................................................................................................................27 LANDSCAPING ...........................................................................................................................................29 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................29 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................29 Planting for year round effect ..............................................................................................................29 Wildflower Meadow .............................................................................................................................29 Cutting roadside banks ........................................................................................................................29 Flower / Plant Tubs .............................................................................................................................30 Hanging Baskets / Window Boxes ........................................................................................................30 River Bridge .........................................................................................................................................30 Church Street .......................................................................................................................................30 William Street.......................................................................................................................................30 Market Street ........................................................................................................................................31 Rose Beds .............................................................................................................................................31 WILDLIFE & NATURAL AMENITIES ...........................................................................................................32 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................32 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................32 Overall Position ...................................................................................................................................32 Wildlife Survey .....................................................................................................................................32 Record Keeping ....................................................................................................................................32 Wildlife Plan ........................................................................................................................................32 School children ....................................................................................................................................33 Information Panels...............................................................................................................................33 Park Area .............................................................................................................................................33 The Garden of Europe..........................................................................................................................34 LITTER CONTROL ......................................................................................................................................35 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................35 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................35 County Litter League ...........................................................................................................................35 Clean Ups ............................................................................................................................................35 Gurtinard .............................................................................................................................................35 Sli Na Coille .........................................................................................................................................35
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College Lawn .......................................................................................................................................35 Ballygrenane Road...............................................................................................................................35 The Lodge ............................................................................................................................................35 Bring Centre.........................................................................................................................................35 Mart .....................................................................................................................................................36 SuperValu.............................................................................................................................................36 Feale Drive ..........................................................................................................................................36 Liosarda ...............................................................................................................................................36 Stokers Drive ........................................................................................................................................37 Bring Centre near Charles Street ........................................................................................................37 Lower Church Street ............................................................................................................................37 The Square ...........................................................................................................................................37 Litter Bins ............................................................................................................................................37 William Street.......................................................................................................................................38 WASTE MINIMISATION ..............................................................................................................................39 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................39 Not just about litter ..............................................................................................................................39 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................39 Key Principles ......................................................................................................................................39 Potential waste minimisation projects .................................................................................................39 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................39 Composting ..........................................................................................................................................41 Climate Change ...................................................................................................................................41 Green Flag Programme .......................................................................................................................42 TIDINESS....................................................................................................................................................43 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................43 Cables ..................................................................................................................................................43 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................43 Problem Areas .....................................................................................................................................43 N69 .......................................................................................................................................................43 Advertising Signage .............................................................................................................................43 Factory Shop ........................................................................................................................................43 Field Gates ...........................................................................................................................................43 Sign Poles ............................................................................................................................................43 Graffiti .................................................................................................................................................43 Yellow Containers ................................................................................................................................44 Sign Poles ............................................................................................................................................44 River Bridge .........................................................................................................................................44 Church Car Park..................................................................................................................................45 Castle Car Park ...................................................................................................................................45 Tea Lane ..............................................................................................................................................45 Killarney Road .....................................................................................................................................46 Ballylongford Road ..............................................................................................................................46 Near Business Park ..............................................................................................................................46 Signage.................................................................................................................................................46 Mill Lane Area .....................................................................................................................................46 Near Garda Station ..............................................................................................................................47 Light Guard..........................................................................................................................................47 Bus Stop ...............................................................................................................................................47 Pavement Retail Goods ........................................................................................................................47 Off Church Street .................................................................................................................................47 Courthouse Road / Charles Street........................................................................................................48 Off William Street ................................................................................................................................48 Near Mart ............................................................................................................................................48 Information Panel ................................................................................................................................49
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FAS Unit ..............................................................................................................................................49 The Square ...........................................................................................................................................49 RESIDENTIAL AREAS .................................................................................................................................50 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................50 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................50 Residential areas check list ..................................................................................................................50 Estate Signage......................................................................................................................................50 Cahirdoon Wood ..................................................................................................................................51 Woodview .............................................................................................................................................51 Kenny Heights ......................................................................................................................................51 Golf View .............................................................................................................................................51 Cluain Doire ........................................................................................................................................51 College Road........................................................................................................................................51 Gurtinard .............................................................................................................................................51 College Lawn .......................................................................................................................................51 The Lodge ............................................................................................................................................51 The Paddocks .......................................................................................................................................51 Ferndene ..............................................................................................................................................52 Market Street ........................................................................................................................................52 Feale Drive ..........................................................................................................................................52 Convent View .......................................................................................................................................52 Liosarda ...............................................................................................................................................52 Ashgrove ..............................................................................................................................................52 Stokers Drive ........................................................................................................................................52 Charles Street.......................................................................................................................................52 ROADS, STREETS & BACK AREAS .............................................................................................................53 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................53 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................53 Importance of the town Approaches ....................................................................................................53 Road Surfaces ......................................................................................................................................53 N69 Approach ......................................................................................................................................53 Abbeyfeale Approach ...........................................................................................................................53 Tralee / Killarney Approach ................................................................................................................53 Tea Lane ..............................................................................................................................................54 Market Street ........................................................................................................................................54 John B Keane Road ..............................................................................................................................54 Mill Lane ..............................................................................................................................................54 GENERAL IMPRESSION ...............................................................................................................................55 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................55 2010 Marks ..........................................................................................................................................55 My Overall Impression of Listowel ......................................................................................................55 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ...........................................................................................................56 ANNUAL MARKS TARGETS ........................................................................................................................57 Note on the annual targets ...................................................................................................................58 The role of the adjudicator...................................................................................................................58
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Introduction Background In October 2010 DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy was asked by the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee to undertake the preparation of a 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan for Listowel, Co Kerry. A meeting was held with the Tidy Towns Committee on 28th October. This meeting allowed this Consultant to gain a clear understanding of the issues that are of main concern to the Tidy Towns Committee and their views on future potential Tidy Towns projects.
This Report The purpose of this Report is to provide to the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee a strategic Tidy Towns Plan that will guide their annual work over the period 2011 to 2013.
Recommendations for Action Recommendations for action by the Tidy Towns Committee are made under each of the nine main adjudication categories. It is obviously not possible to make recommendations in respect of the General Impression adjudication category. The Tidy Towns Committee should add the year or years in which each recommendation is best implemented based on their knowledge of local circumstances. The implementation year(s) data should be included in the updated Plan that you submit with your Tidy Towns entry in April / May of each year. Each recommendation in each adjudication category section is identified in blue and numbered.
Safety of all Volunteers 1. Recommendation Each Year It is most strongly recommended that all volunteers and other workers wear high visibility jackets while working on all Tidy Towns projects. At appropriate times eye goggles should also be worn. Advance warning signs should also be provided when work is being carried out on projects at the roadside or other trafficked area.
Updating of Plan 2. Recommendation Each Year This 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan should be updated by the Tidy Towns Committee in November of each year. When the updating is taking place it is a good idea to consult with the organisations and agencies that are supporting your work for Tidy Towns. Consultation with the Local County Council Engineer for your area is also recommended.
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When updating the Plan the then current year should be dropped and a new year added at the end. Thus the first updating of this Plan will cover the period 2012 to 2014. Any projects not implemented or completed in the year to be deleted should be added into the appropriate year of the updated Plan.
Tidy Towns Handbook The Tidy Towns Handbook produced by the Tidy Towns Unit at the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government in January 2010 is an excellent document. Your Tidy Towns Committee should examine this in detail as it contains much helpful information and ideas.
Analysis of Tidy Towns Marks 2006 – 2010 The following Table gives a breakdown of the marks received by Listowel in the Tidy Towns Competition in the period 2006 to 2010.
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Adjudication Category
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
% available marks received in 2010
Overall Development Approach
47
47
47
46
46
94
Built Environment
41
40
40
39
39
82
Landscaping
40
40
38
37
37
80
Wildlife & Natural Amenities
36
36
36
36
25
72
Litter Control
31
31
32
32
32
62
Waste Minimisation
9
8
8
3
3
45
Tidiness
20
20
18
17
17
67
Residential Areas
32
32
30
29
27
80
Roads, Streets & Back Areas
37
36
36
35
35
74
General Impression
8
8
8
8
8
80
301
298
293
282
269
75
Annual Total Marks
Strengths and Weaknesses From the above Table the following Tidy Towns performance strengths and weaknesses emerge in respect of Listowel. Strong performance categories – (65% or more of available marks achieved 2010) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Overall Development Approach Built Environment Landscaping Wildlife & Natural Amenities Tidiness Residential Areas Roads, Streets & Back Areas
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November 4, 2010 8. General Impression
Weaker performance categories – (Less than 65% of available marks achieved in 2010) 1. Litter Control 2. Waste Minimisation
Marks Growth The Table that follows examined the marks growth in individual adjudication categories in the period 2006 to 2010.
Listowel Tidy Towns Marks Growth 2006 - 2010 12 10 8 6 4 2
General Impression
Roads, Streets & Back Areas
Residential Areas
Tidiness
Waste Minimisation
Litter Control
Wildlife & Natural Amenities
Landscaping
Built Environment
-2
Overall Development Approach
0
Performance Benchmarking It is useful to examine how Listowel performs in the Tidy Towns Competition when judged against the performance of the Tidy Towns winner for 2010. In the following Table the performance of Listowel in the period 2006 to 2010 is benchmarked against that of Tallanstown, Co Louth the National Tidy Towns Winner for 2010.
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Listowel, Co Kerry Tallanstown, Co Louth
Marks
350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 -50
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Listowel
301
298
293
282
269
Tallanstown
308
304
301
295
287
-7
-6
-8
-13
-18
Marks Difference
In the past five years the marks gap with Tallanstown has been reduced from 18 marks in 2006 to 7 marks in 2010 and this represents excellent progress. In the following Chart each adjudication category performance by Listowel is benchmarked against that of all County Winners in 2010.
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Benchmarking Listowel, Co Kerry County Winners 2010 50 40
Marks
30 20 10 0 -10
Overall
Built
44.3
38.3
41
30.5
36.8
11
19.5
29.7
36.5
8.8
Listowel
47
41
40
36
31
9
20
32
37
8
Underscoring
2.7
2.7
-1
5.5
-5.8
-2
0.5
2.3
0.5
-0.8
County Winers 2010
Landsc. Wildlife Litter
Waste Tidiness
Res.
Roads General
SWOT Analysis on Listowel A SWOT analysis allows the examination of the main Tidy Towns and environmental issues in a town or village. The main strengths are issues or points that need to be highlighted and developed in your annual work for Listowel. Weaknesses are issues that require remedial attention as soon as possible. It is accepted that some or all of these issues can be outside the control of your Tidy Towns Committee or community. Opportunities represent potential that your Tidy Towns Committee has to do something new that will help your Tidy Towns work. Threats are other issues that need your ever present attention so that any negative aspects can be minimised in Tidy Towns terms. The SWOT analysis for Listowel is given below. Strengths 1. Very active and experienced Tidy Towns Committee 2. 3rd best performing entry in Co Kerry in 2010 Tidy Towns Competition DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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3. Strong sense of heritage 4. Childers Park and Garden of Europe Weaknesses 1. Performance in Litter Control adjudication category 2. Wildlife interpretation Opportunities 1. Development of wildlife and Natural Amenities aspect of Tidy Towns 2. Enhancement of the Garden of Europe interpretation 3. Enhancement of the river bridge as key feature of the built environment Threats 1. Presentation of the old Mart area. 2. Quite a number of tidiness issues
The adjudication categories There are ten Tidy Towns adjudication categories in which marks can be awarded by the Tidy Towns adjudicator. In the next section of this 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan issues are identified under each adjudication category that need to be considered by the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee. This Report deliberately spends little time highlighting the good and attractive aspects of Listowel because these are there for us all to enjoy and appreciate. Your attention needs to focus each year on what you can do to remedy any problem areas identified in the following pages. It is most important that each year you give attention to all adjudication categories and not just those that may find stronger favour with the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee or by the community at large.
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Adjudication Boundaries
Overall Development Approach Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks and is concerned with how your Tidy Towns Committee approaches the Tidy Towns Competition. The adjudicator is interested in how you organise your work for Tidy Towns. The relationships that you may have with local organisations and official agencies are considered here also. Under this category the 3 Year Tidy Towns Plan and your work in generating Tidy Towns publicity are also examined. Do make sure to give some indication of how you fund your work for the community.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 47 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 44 marks or 89% of available marks in this adjudication category.
The Tidy Towns Plan 3. Recommendation Each Year It is recommended that this Plan is updated by the Tidy Towns in November of each year. The year coming to an end should be dropped from the Plan and a new year added at the end. Any projects not completed in the year coming to an end should be re-allocated to the appropriate upcoming year.
The Tidy Towns adjudication boundaries in rural towns and villages are normally defined by the location of the town or village signs. Where these do not exist then the 50 KPH Speed Limit signs will act as outward boundaries. In larger urban areas the adjudication boundaries will extend in a 1 km radius from the centre of the town.
Extending adjudication boundaries There is not a difficulty if a Tidy Towns Committee wishes to request an extension outwards of the boundary on any individual approach road. This could be important for example if your Committee had developed a wildlife area that was just outside the adjudication boundary on a particular approach road.
Tidy Towns Entry Documentation Who is responsible? Quite often the preparation of the entry documentation is the responsibility of one Tidy Towns Committee member and this is not really satisfactory. 4. Recommendation It is recommended that one Committee member drafts the entry documentation and then brings it to the Committee for checking that all new projects and ongoing work has been included under the appropriate Tidy Towns adjudication category. The entry process is the responsibility of the all members of the Tidy Towns Committee.
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2010 Entry Form
diary. This should then be used as an aide-mémoire when the entry documentation is being drafted.
5. Recommendation
Documentation
The 2010 Tidy Towns entry form was examined in detail and the following observations are offered.
Care and attention to detail is essential when the Listowel Tidy Towns entry documentation is being prepared in April / May each year.
a. Be more specific in regard to individual project details - when did the project start and when was it completed. b. Remember that „Projects undertaken for this year‟ will mean – projects started after 1st June 2010 or projects started earlier than that date and continuing into 2011. c. Number each project on the entry form and use the same number on the map. d. The scale of the map is too small to show town centre project details. e. Remember the key importance of clarity. Summary – this is a very good Entry Form and above all is not too long.
Tidy Towns Diary 6. Recommendation
7. Recommendation Each Year The entry form should be completed in full or an on-line application likewise completed. What is critically important is that the documentation gives a crystal clear picture of your new work for that year. Well implemented new projects can attract additional marks. 8. Recommendation It is suggested strongly that all projects on the entry form are clearly numbered and keyed to the town or village map. Keep in mind the fact that a longer document does not necessarily attract the potential for a higher mark in this adjudication category.
The adjudicator Do keep in mind the fact that last year‟s adjudicator will not be carrying out this year‟s adjudication of your entry. The adjudicator may never have visited your town or village before so do not make knowledge assumptions in the entry documentation.
It is recommended that one Committee member keeps an up to date Tidy Towns diary. In this diary every project regardless of how small should be entered as soon as it is seen or noted by the Committee member who holds the DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] 8. Soccer Club 9. Rugby 10. FAS 11. Rotary 12. Chamber of Commerce 13. Golf Club 14. Tennis Club 15. Residents Associations 16. Adult Education 17. Festivals and Events 18. Heritage Centre 19. Community Centre 20. Voluntary Services 21. Health Centre 22. School(s) 23. Youth Club 24. Churches of all denominations 25. Business Park
Town Map 9. Recommendation Each Year The inclusion of a map of the town is likewise most important. On this all roads and streets should be marked by name together with the location of new work for the year.
Are all organisations /agencies involved? 10. Recommendation 2010 At your next Tidy Towns Committee meeting it is suggested that a fully comprehensive list be drawn up of all associations, organisations and agencies in Listowel regardless of their core activity. The question then needs to be asked if each and every one of these is doing something for Tidy Towns in 2011 that is appropriate to their own work. For example a project could be as simple as repainting an entrance gate. All organisations and agencies then need to be approached to secure their firm commitment to specific work for Tidy Towns. The list of organisations and agencies is an indicative one designed to suggest possibilities and not all will apply to Listowel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Development Company LEADER Town Council Local businesses GAA Club ICA Munitir Na Tire
11. Recommendation Each Year Do make sure to submit this list with your 2011 Tidy Towns entry indicating in a few words the work that each has been asked to do for that year and what they actually did for Tidy Towns.
Best Practice 12. Recommendation Each Year In your Tidy Towns entry documentation it is important to indicate that you have adopted best practice where this is so. Do give specific details – for example your Tidy Towns Committee may not approve of the use of Weedkiller and actively discourages the practice.
The Media 13. Recommendation Each Year
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Continuing regular publicity for the work of Tidy Towns is essential. The following initiatives are recommended in this regard – a. Tidy Towns page(s) on Kerry Council website. b. Production of Tidy Towns Newsletter publication three times each year. c. Use of Parish Newsletter to publicise Tidy Towns work for the local community.
on any Planning Application that may impact negatively or positively on their work for Tidy Towns.
Tidy Towns Evening 15. Recommendation Each Year The existing annual Tidy Towns Night is an important initiative that should continue each year.
d. Provision of regular Tidy Towns news to local Newspaper(s) and local Radio Stations.
Planning Applications 14. Recommendation Each Year It is strongly recommended that the Tidy Towns Committee established a rota that will allow for the examination of Planning Applications received by Listowel County Council for the Listowel area. The Kerry County Council website has a Planning menu and this allows the examination of all Planning Applications received / decided for the county. A search for Listowel will bring up a map of the town showing the location in red of all such Applications. It is then possible on-line to see the details of each application. The Planning Applications should be examined every three weeks by two Committee members. Using the on-line system this should take no more than one hour. This will allow the Tidy Towns Committee to make written observations to the Planning Authority DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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The Built Environment Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks and is concerned with the presentation of all aspects of the built environment (except residential areas) including any monuments or other structures. This will include both public and private buildings regardless of age. In this adjudication category the Tidy Towns adjudicator is seeking to examine the overall architectural character of Listowel and the impact that it makes. This category also examines the conservation of any important or heritage buildings in Listowel. Derelict sites come under this category also together with civic amenities and the general use of the Irish language. The use of colour, the painting of buildings and the use of appropriate building materials also comes into this category. Do remember also that adjudication is not confined to just the ground floor elevation of buildings. How well the upper stories are presented is also considered. The presentation of the local Graveyard will also be of interest to your adjudicator. In this adjudication category the presentation of shop fronts is especially important
average mark achieved by the County Winners was 38 marks or 77% of available marks in this adjudication category.
Listowel Wildlife Signage 16. Recommendation 2010 2011 Signage and information at four levels needs to be considered as follows in the context of any future Wildlife Trail – a. Wildlife Trail information panels at various locations in the town. b. Neat directional signage to the various locations on the Wildlife Trail. c. Information panel at each location on the Wildlife Trail. d. Wildlife Trail brochure perhaps sponsored.
Graveyard Mapping 17. Recommendation It is suggested that contact be made with the County Heritage Officer in regard to a project to map all graves in the graveyard to provide the following information about each grave –
Good paving can be really effective in the built environment. It is important that materials used are characteristic of your area.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 41 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
a. b. c. d. e. f. g.
Surname Christian names Sex Date died Age at death Townland Gravestone details
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Heritage Town There is a great sense of history in Listowel and this has been well interpreted through the Heritage Town project.
Hanging Signs and Shop Fronts
The provision of some well maintained hanging baskets at this building is strongly recommended.
Mural The mural near the river bridge was greatly admired.
Listowel has a really interesting and nationally important heritage of old shop signs together with front elevation plaster work by Pat McAuliffe. 18. Recommendation The Maid of Erin feature needs to be repainted.
Information Panel 20. Recommendation The information panel on the road to the Park has been damaged by condensation and needs early attention.
County Council Offices 19. Recommendation Repairs and improved presentation is urgently needed at the porch at the entrance to the County Council offices near the river bridge.
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Plant Entrance 21. Recommendation
Racecourse Bridge 23. Recommendation
Paint the entrance gates to the Plant on the Tralee road.
The gates at the start of the pedestrian bridge to the Racecourse would be greatly improved if painted matt black, blue or red. 24. Recommendation At the main entrance to the Racecourse off the Tralee road the two white pillars need to be painted.
Community Centre Attractive murals were admired at the Community Centre.
Near Church Car Park
25. Recommendation Painting of the river bridge railings here should also be considered. 26. Recommendation
22. Recommendation The apparently closed building at the entrance to the Catholic Church car park needs cosmetic treatment before end April 2011.
The white concrete areas of the bridge structure would be greatly enhanced visually if repainted.
Mart 27. Recommendation The old Mart site continues to be a most problematic part of Listowel and redevelopment may not be possible in the short term. In the meantime the maintaining of this area in a tidy and litter free way should continue as an absolute priority. It is strongly recommended that if possible the derelict buildings here are painted cosmetically in 2011.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] heritage information panel giving details of this coach building business and the role that it played in the life of Listowel.
The present situation is most unworthy of Listowel. 28. Recommendation
The Grotto The elevation of the Mart building to Market Street is most disappointing. It is recommended that if possible that the old red lettering be removed. Even cosmetic painting of the building visible from Market Street would be a major improvement. It is recommended that the wall behind the toilet block be painted dark grey.
30. Recommendation The Grotto seemed a little bare and would be greatly improved by additional year round landscaping for colour and texture along by the stone wall.
Ecclesiastical Building P Tarrant & Sons
31. Recommendation
29. Recommendation The painting of the corrugated iron roof of this building would greatly improve the overall presentation here. Corrugated iron doors also need repainting. As the site of a Coach Building enterprise this building should be considered for a
At the ecclesiastical building on the Killarney road the gates need to be repainted.
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Hospital
Listowel Business Park
32. Recommendation
36. Recommendation
Paint the entrance pillars off the main road. Replace the rusty pedestrian gate.
At the Listowel Business Park the untidy open site illustrated here should be screened from public view. The long yellow wall here needs to be repainted. Some litter was evident here.
School 33. Recommendation At the School on the Ballybunion road kerb weed needs attention.
Railway Bridge 34. Recommendation Paint the Railway Bridge on the Ballybunion approach road at the 50 KPG signs near the Famine Graveyard.
Lartigue Building
Vaughan Factory
35. Recommendation
37. Recommendation
At the Lartigue Visitor Centre building paint the gates at the end of the car Park. This area should be screened from view together with the white and green hut.
The area around the old Vaughan Factory is very untidy and creates a poor impression. Screening following general tidying should be considered. Heavy grass and weed growth needs attention also.
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Cinema 40. Recommendation Paint the top of the front elevation and replace damaged signage.
Famine Graveyard 38. Recommendation There is a condensation problem with the information panel at the Famine Graveyard. The black and white colour scheme here is appropriate and effective.
Family Resource Centre A good use of window boxes was admired at the Family Resource Centre.
The present overall impact is quite poor here.
Post Office 41. Recommendation
Library 39. Recommendation Paint the bicycle stands at the Library. Grass growth should be removed from the cobble-lock paving here.
The low wall and riser area to the steps should also be painted together with the black and white bollards.
The front elevation of the Post office needs to be freshened up as it looks rather bland. Hanging baskets here would make a big difference. Power washing of the front faรงade is also recommended.
The Square 42. Recommendation
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The Square is a key core area of the town and an important social focus point. The present domination by car parking does not maximise the potential that this area has. It is strongly recommended that just a few car parking spaces be removed to allow for the planting of native Irish trees.
Church Street It is appreciated that this is a controversial issue but that is not a valid reason for not considering environmental improvements here.
The area at the bottom of Church Street illustrated below is one of the visual highlights of the built environment in Listowel. The colour choice here is excellent.
43. Recommendation The building in the Square illustrated here would be greatly improved if the doors were repainted. The choice of bright colours possible red and blue is recommended. The faรงade lettering also needs improvement. 44. Recommendation It is understood that some consideration is been given to a water feature for the Square. It is strongly recommended that this would echo some aspect of the history of the town. The River of Time concept was discussed with the Tidy Towns Committee during the preparation of this Report.
45. Recommendation One of the information panels in the Square is out of line with the others and needs to be straightened. Condensation is an issue with one of these panels.
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Catholic Church 47. Recommendation
St John’s Theatre & Arts Centre 46. Recommendation
This is a most attractive building but the railings need to be repainted.
Paint downpipe in matt black or grey at the corner of building near the car park entrance.
Listowel Castle 48. Recommendation Listowel Castle is a highly impressive building excellently maintained. Condensation is an issue with the information panel here. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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Consideration might be given to the addition of a further section to the annual Shopfront Competition that would award well designed and appropriate lighting with canceled cabling.
Harp & Lion 51. Recommendation
Condensation 49. Recommendation Around the town condensation was noted as being an issue with a number of the otherwise excellent information panels. This issue should be examined in the context of all information panels as condensation will seriously damage the panel information content.
Church Street Very good colour use was noted at the end of Church Street.
Lighting 50. Recommendation
The repainting of the Harp & Lion is strongly recommended as this is one of the very good street elevations in Listowel.
Architectural Trail 52. Recommendation It is recommended that serious consideration be given to the development of an Architectural Trail around Listowel. The preservation of sash windows might be encouraged through the development of this Trail.
On quite a number of the commercial premises in Listowel the lighting is quite poorly designed and visible cabling is a problem. Just one example is shown here.
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River Bridge 54. Recommendation It is understood that there are some plans to refurbish the river bridge. This involves new lighting and a handrail. The photograph below illustrates the recently installed walkway at the bridge over the river Shannon in Carrick-OnShannon. Stainless steel has been used here.
Golf Club 53. Recommendation Near the Park area the entrance gates to the Golf Club should be painted.
It is recommended that the under lighting of the arch areas be reconsidered as these areas are not generally seen to advantage on the approach to Listowel. However there may be negative implications of under lighting for wildlife which should be investigated.
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The use of stainless steel for the walkway and handrail is strongly recommended. Provision should also be made for stainless steel supports for hanging baskets on both sides of the bridge. This photograph shows the stainless steel poles used at the bridge in Loughill, Co Limerick.
The photographs below illustrate recently installed lighting standards in Ballincollig, Co Cork. Here twin level units have been installed which are very effective.
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Landscaping
Planting for year round effect
Introduction
55. Recommendation Each Year
This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks. The true role of landscaping in any town or village is important. This is to place emphasis on areas of the town or village that require highlighting. Landscaping should never be an end in itself and must be planned carefully. Ideally your landscaping work should be carried out on a planned basis that has been well thought out. If you have a Landscaping Plan then do make sure to include a copy with your Tidy Towns entry documentation. Landscaping should be used to create a visual link between your area and the surrounding countryside and this will be examined by your adjudicator.
Planting of shrubs for year round effect is important and the adjudicator will look out for this aspect of your landscaping. Year round shrubs can give good colour and texture contrasts that are pleasing on the eye. This is not to say however that an annual summer blaze of colourful flower beds is to be discouraged. They have a role to play also in the presentation in of Listowel. The Committee might ask themselves a question as follows “what does our place look like in December / January; is there a lack of natural colour in the built environment”?
Wildflower Meadow How well you present any Community Gardens, play areas, picnic sites and amenity areas are also examined under this adjudication category.
56. Recommendation
The appropriate selection and siting of trees, shrubs and flowers is also considered. Do remember that the careful siting of new trees can in the future perhaps frame an important local view.
The Tidy Towns Committee might like to consider the future possibility of planting a wildflower meadow on some waste ground or other open space. The cost of this may be about €1 per square metre. The end result could look spectacular. Sowing should be carried out in April.
2010 Marks
Cutting roadside banks
In 2010 Listowel received a total of 40 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 41 marks or 82% of available marks in this adjudication category.
57. Recommendation Roadside banks / hedges should not be cut in the period 1st March to 31st August out of consideration to the needs of wildlife. This arises from The Wildlife Act 1976 Section 40, and The Wildlife Act 2000 Section 46.
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Flower / Plant Tubs 58. Recommendation Treat the flower / shrub tubs along the entrance to Gurtinard estate. Some of the tubs need to be replaced or repaired.
Some rather „deadâ€&#x; hanging baskets were noted along the bridge. These should be removed or replaced before this situation arises each year.
Church Street 61. Recommendation Replace the damaged flower /plant barrel at the bottom of Church Street.
Hanging Baskets / Window Boxes 59. Recommendation
William Street There is potential to provide new hanging baskets or window boxes at the terrace or newer houses along the street to the river bridge. AS of now they lack individuality and character.
62. Recommendation William Street lacks natural colour and texture and landscaping here is recommended. The planting of native trees on both sides of the street should be seriously considered.
River Bridge 60. Recommendation
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Market Street 63. Recommendation Market Street is another street that would be greatly improved in visual terms by some native tree planting and general landscaping. The removal of just one parking space would allow the planting of one native tree out from the kerbing.
Rose Beds 64. Recommendation The Rose beds by the river at the bridge on the Park side need to be weeded.
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Wildlife & Natural Amenities Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks. This is an adjudication category that seems to cause some difficulties for many towns and villages that enter Tidy Towns each year. There is a subtext of education in respect of this category. Your work for Tidy Towns in respect of wildlife and natural amenities should have the overall aim of making your community more aware of the critical importance of these aspects of your area. The conservation of natural amenities and wildlife areas is considered here. Work that your Committee does to encourage wildlife will be examined under this adjudication category. Amenity walks and nature trails are considered also. How both hard and soft countryside landscape is managed and its effect on wildlife is another important issue. For example the removal of a traditional stone wall and its replacement by a concrete block wall will have a negative impact on wildlife.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 36 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 31 marks or 61% of available marks in this adjudication category.
Overall Position Presently the visitor to Listowel comes away with very little understanding of the wildlife heritage of the town and surrounding area. This represents a lost opportunity in Tidy Towns development
terms. There has been no growth in marks in this adjudication category since 2007.
Wildlife Survey It is understood that the Tidy Towns Committee has carried out a recent Wildlife Survey.
Record Keeping 65. Recommendation Each Year From the habitat survey you will now know what wildlife species there are in the Listowel area. Do consider setting up a system to observe the presence or absence of these species at various times of the year. This can give you most valuable pointers in regard to the health of individual species. For example -if you have noted a sharp decline in the Bat population in your area from one year to another you need to find out why by discussion with some experts. 66. Recommendation
Wildlife Plan Using the results of the wildlife habitat survey the next step should be to draft a straight forward Plan to preserve the identified habitats in the Listowel area, and investigate the possibility of the development of new habitat areas. Having identified the important wildlife habitats in Listowel the important issue is that they are conserved as significant landscape heritage features. Ultimately the objective of the Tidy Towns Committee should be to encourage the existing wildlife to stay in the area and encourage new species to
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move in. This can only be done by creating a public awareness and respect for the feeding and shelter needs of the various species in the area. 67. Recommendation
School children It is most important to try and involve the local school children in this project, and in many Schools there is probably a teacher who may have an interest in this area who would be willing to get involved.
Suggested locations for Wildlife Information Panels in Listowel include the following –
68. Recommendation
1. The Square 2. The Park 3. The Garden of Europe entrance area 4. Bottom of Church Street just below William Street junction 5. Car park at rear of Listowel Castle
Information Panels As part of the actions to be undertaken in the Wildlife Plan the Tidy Towns Committee should consider the provision of some weather proof display panels, illustrating and explaining the wildlife in the Listowel area. This has been done very successfully in many towns and villages in Ireland. Two examples are illustrated here.
Park Area 69. Recommendation Paint the entrance gates green.
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The Garden of Europe 70. Recommendation Little indication was noted in the town centre that the Garden of Europe exists. Improved directional signage to Garden of Europe is required at the area with the picnic tables and chairs. The blank green at the entrance to the Garden should be either used or removed. The information panel here needs to be washed. 71. Recommendation The leaflet box at the steps was empty.
73. Recommendation At the start of the entrance into the Garden of Europe area the gates need to be painted in dark green.
74. Recommendation The development of a signed Tree Trail should be considered in this area.
72. Recommendation The provision of much additional wildlife interpretation at the Garden of Europe is required. It is really a most attarctive area to visit. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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Gurtinard
Litter Control Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks. In this adjudication category the absence of litter and dumping is examined together with the existence of regular litter patrols in Listowel. Planned activities including the school or schools and the promotion of anti-litter awareness is considered here also. The presentation of Bring Centres comes under this adjudication category.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 31 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 37 marks or 74% of available marks in this adjudication category.
County Litter League 75. Recommendation Each Year
77. Recommendation Very occasional litter was noted in this estate.
Sli Na Coille 78. Recommendation Very occasional litter was noted in this estate.
College Lawn 79. Recommendation Some litter was evident in this estate.
Ballygrenane Road 80. Recommendation Litter was noted on Ballygrenane Road at the main road junction.
The Lodge 81. Recommendation Minor littering was a problem in The Lodge.
If Kerry County Council runs an annual Litter League do make sure that Listowel is entered each year as this will compliment your work for Tidy Towns.
Bring Centre
Clean Ups
The Bring Centre at the Catholic Church car park was visited. It is a rather basic facility and the official signage was missing. Much weed growth was evident.
76. Recommendation If your Tidy Towns Committee carries out regular clean-ups do make sure to detail this in your Tidy Towns entry documentation.
82. Recommendation
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] Litter was also present in the Church car park.
Mart 84. Recommendation Dumping was noted in the area of the old Mart.
SuperValu Presentation can be improved in various ways as the following photographs illustrate.
85. Recommendation Extremely bad littering was noted at the top corner of the SuperValu car park by the two green bins. It is accepted that SuperValu makes major efforts to prevent such littering.
Feale Drive 86. Recommendation There was a litter issue noted at Feale Drive.
Liosarda This Bring Centre should become a celebrated feature of Listowel for all the right reasons. 83. Recommendation
87. Recommendation In Liosarda estate quite a lot of litter was present near Oâ€&#x;Dowdâ€&#x;s Road.
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Stokers Drive
The Square
88. Recommendation
92. Recommendation
Litter in Stokers Drive needed attention.
Litter was noted around the edges of the Square area.
Bring Centre near Charles Street 89. Recommendation This is a large car park based facility that is rather basic and is not improved by the presence of the two large yellow skips.
Litter Bins 93. Recommendation Many litter bins need to be power washed and repainted. See the comments made above in respect of the Church car park Bring Centre as these apply here also. Litter was noted to the left at the entrance to the car park. It is understood that discussions are taking place with the County Council in regard to this Bring Centre. 90. Recommendation The wall to the lefty is badly stained and this can be remedied by repairs to the down pipe and repainting of the wall.
Lower Church Street 91. Recommendation Litter was present along by the roadside kerbing in Lower Church Street. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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William Street 94. Recommendation There was a litter control issue along William Street on the day of the visit.
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Waste Minimisation
Potential waste minimisation projects
Introduction
95. Recommendation
This adjudication category has a maximum of 20 marks.
Not just about litter
1. Waste reduction and recycling measures could include work by the Listowel Tidy Towns Committee on the following products –
The Waste Minimisation category is a relatively new one that was added just a few years ago. This category is not just about litter and litter reduction. It is really about measures by which the amount of waste generated in Listowel can be reduced and how recycling can be introduced or expanded locally. The educational element is most important. Work that you do with local businesses and agencies is examined also under this category.
2. Litter gathered during litterpicks. 3. Glass gathered during litterpicks. 4. Drink cans gathered during litterpicks.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 9 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 9 marks or 88% of available marks in this adjudication category.
5. Batteries 6. Printer ink cartridges 7. Cardboard 8. Waste paper
Key Principles There are three key principles in regard to waste minimisation which are as follows – a. Reduce b. Re-use c. Recycle These should guide your annual work in respect of this adjudication category. Please note that re-cycling does not come at the top of the priority agenda but that reduction takes that prime position of importance.
9. Grass clippings 10. Plastic containers
Recommendations 96. Recommendations The following recommendations are offered –
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a. Carry out a Listowel waste audit – the Race Against Waste booklet at page 9 has some helpful guidelines on the carrying out of such an audit. This booklet is available from the Tidy Towns Page 39
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Unit in the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. The Race Against Waste website at www.raceagainstwaste.com has many useful ideas for consideration. b. Segregate the waste collected during litter clean up campaigns. Glass can be collected for disposal at the Bring Centre. Leaves and grass cuttings can be composted. c. Add a section to the Listowel website that will feature your future waste minimisation plans. d. Consider running a waste minimisation workshop in Listowel as part of a public Tidy Towns meeting. e. Provide leaflets for self catering accommodation and other visitor outlets on where visitors can take glass and other waste for proper disposal. This could illustrate and explain where recycling centres are located in this part of Co. Kerry.
Listowel area. This could involve the schools bringing some of the students to a recycling centre in the Co Kerry area. Possible projects for schools might involve the proper collection of waste batteries or printer ink cartridges. Subject in both cases to direction on the safe handling of these items. h. Consider the provision of a solar powered sign for the local Schools.. i. Make contact with Kerry County Council in regard to possible joint waste minimisation programmes in respect of printer toners, printer cartridges, waste paper, tin cans, glass and old batteries. j. Encourage domestic composting in Listowel and bring in an expert on this to address a waste minimisation workshop organised by the Tidy Towns Committee. k. Consider a local programme of rainwater harvesting.
f. Run a waste awareness day on a Saturday and set up some stalls in the Square to inform people on what they can do to minimize waste that they create. Major advance publicity will be required for this. This project could be carried out as a joint initiative with other interested parties.
l. Consider using the ESB Home Energy efficiency programme free household survey. This will provide an individual Report for each participating household.
g. Develop a waste awareness campaign for the schools in the
n. Prepare and distribute a local Tidy Towns Newsletter three
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m. Have you examined the potential benefits of community composting especially in respect of grass cuttings?
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times each year when the Tidy Towns Committee has a waste minimisation programme in place.
a. How original are your ideas? b. Can your projects be replicated in other centres?
o. Issue a Press Release to the media on the Tidy Towns Committee waste minimisation proposals and plans for Listowel.
c. What have you done in Listowel to raise awareness of climate change?
p. Do remember to keep copies of all leaflets, newsletter, and press mentions of your plans so that these can be submitted with your Tidy Towns Entry documentation in April / May each year.
d. How has the carbon footprint in Listowel been genuinely reduced year on year? e. How does the way that you carry out these activities now differ from the way that you carried out these activities a few years ago?
Composting 97. Recommendation Dumped grass cuttings were noted beside the river at the bridge on the Park side. Such cuttings could usefully go into compost for future use.
98. Recommendations 2010 2012 Possible Projects – this is taken from the Tidy Towns information leaflet. 1. Use electronic communications instead of paper. 2. Turn off all electrical equipment when not in use. 3. Continue to collect rain water for recycling through the use of water butts or other methods.
Climate Change A new Climate Change Award was introduced to Tidy Towns in 2009. The overall aim of this award is to raise awareness of climate change at town and village level. The following criteria apply to this Award – DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
4. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. 5. Walk or cycle to as many events as possible to reduce car use and use car pooling. 6. Avoid the purchase of goods that has excessive cardboard or paper wrapping. Page 41
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7. Repair and reuse goods whenever possible. 8. Reduce the times when a power mower is used for grass areas and use a non-powered mower instead. Doing this even for just one small grass area can make a difference. Do examine the website www.change.ie which will give you a lot of additional ideas to consider.
Green Flag Programme 99. Recommendation The Schools in Listowel are making excellent progress in their work for the Green Flag Programme. The good and effective liaison between the Tidy Towns Committee and the Schools should continue.
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Tidiness Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 30 marks. Here the general lack of clutter is examined together with graffiti, traffic management and inappropriate weed and plant growth. Other issues that arise here is the presence of unused lamp poles and sign poles, blocked foot paths, unsightly electric cabling. The adjudicator will also watch for the presence of any graffiti or fly-posting together with traffic management and the control of weed growth at walls and kerbing.
Cables 100.
Roadside advertising signage detracts from this approach to Listowel. Do all signs have Planning Permission or Local Authority Licence or other official permission? If not why are they not removed by the owners under direction of the Local Authority?
Factory Shop 102.
Recommendation
The entrance area to the Factory Shop on the N69 was quite untidy. This area needs a lot of work to improve the overall situation.
Field Gates 103.
Recommendation
Recommendation
If additional overhead cabling can be placed underground it will make a significant contribution to tidiness and the overall appearance of those parts of Listowel where such work is still to be carried out.
In cooperation with land owners paint all field gates green on approach roads. This could be a phased project over a few years.
Sign Poles 104.
Recommendation
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 20 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 20 marks or 65% of available marks in this adjudication category.
In cooperation with the Local Engineer paint all sign poles black including Speed Limit sign poles. This could also be a phased project.
Graffiti 105.
Recommendation
Problem Areas The following problems in respect of tidiness were noted.
N69 Advertising Signage 101.
Recommendation
Graffiti was noted on the gable wall of the terraced houses on the left on the approach from the river bridge. This will require a high pressure cleaning process and the use of a professional graffiti removal company is recommended. The Internet will provide a source of Irish companies that can carry out this work.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] 107. Recommendation Signs Graffiti was evident on some road signage.
106.
Graffiti ESB
Graffiti was also evident on a number of the steel ESB units such as that illustrated below. This issue should be discussed with the ESB and graffiti removal process agreed.
Yellow Containers 108.
Recommendation
In the land beside the County Council building the two large yellow containers should be screened from public view. If they cannot be screened then painting them dark green would be an improvement.
Sign Poles 109.
The ESB unit at the entrance to Feale Drive is another needing attention.
Recommendation
In cooperation with the Local Engineer paint any unpainted sign poles black.
River Bridge 110.
Recommendation
Paint the poles at the river bridge. The Lartigue sign needs to be replaced with a modern equivalent.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] Repair and repaint the rusty gates illustrated below.
Church Car Park 111.
Recommendation 114.
Weed growth by the steel barrier uprights at the Catholic Church car park needs attention.
Castle Car Park 112.
Recommendation
The advertising signage on the old wall at the back of the Castle looks out of place so close to such an important aspect of town heritage. This issue should be discussed initially with the County Kerry Heritage Officer.
113.
Recommendation
Recommendation
The concrete block wall here should be plastered and painted dark grey.
Tea Lane 115.
Recommendation
Tea Lane has the potential to become an attractive and atmospheric part of the built environment in Listowel. Presently graffiti and weed growth are serious problems. Power cleaning may be required. The repainting of the facades of buildings fronting on to the lane is also desirable.
The issue of the nearby Mart is not a reason why improvements in Tea Lane cannot be implemented.
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Killarney Road 116.
Recommendation
An untidy area was noted on the Greenville road at the turn to the Racecourse. Depending on ownership issues landscaping might be a possibility here.
Signage 119.
Recommendation
A damaged sign was noted at the entrance to the car park near Charles Street.
Ballylongford Road 117.
Recommendation
Signage clutter on the Ballylongford road should be rationalised if possible.
Mill Lane Area 120.
Recommendation
The untidy area opposite the car park in the Mill Lane area needs improvement. Timber screening is suggested here.
Near Business Park 118.
Recommendation
A small fenced off well kept area near the Business Park was noted. What is the future of this area? DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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Pavement Retail Goods 124.
Recommendation
The display of retail goods on the pavement was observed at the Square. This practice should be discouraged because of problems that such signage might cause for the disabled.
Near Garda Station 121.
Recommendation
Paint the faรงade of the old building near the Garda Station on Mill Lane. The steel / corrugated iron door to the right needs to be painted also.
Off Church Street 125.
Recommendation
Paint the corrugated iron roof visible off Church Street.
Light Guard 122.
Recommendation
A damaged light guard in the Square needs to be replaced.
Bus Stop 123.
Recommendation
At the Bus Stop area at the Square the sign needs to be repainted.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] 128.
Courthouse Road / Charles Street 126.
Recommendation
Recommendation
Graffiti was evident off William Street near Oâ€&#x;Connorâ€&#x;s Pharmacy. It is recommended that the wall here be painted in a dark colour.
Signage clutter at Courthouse Road / Charles Street needs to be rationalised. Six signs were noted here.
Near Mart 129.
Recommendation
Off William Street
Paint the gates at the Mart beside the toilet block on Market Street.
127.
130.
Recommendation
Off William Street paint the corrugated iron doors in the following photograph. The high wall along here also needs repainting.
Recommendation
The gates just a little further along Market Street beside Tarrants also need to be painted.
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Information Panel 131.
Recommendation
In the Square the back of the Historic Town information panel should be painted.
FAS Unit 132.
Recommendation
Repaint the FAS unit at the back of The Garden of Europe. Dark green is recommended.
The Square 133.
Recommendation
Paint the pole supporting the small fingerposts at the entrance to the Square by the Church tower. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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Residential Areas Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 40 marks. Elements of some of the adjudication categories above also come into this adjudication category. The maintenance of boundary walls, fences and gardens and communal open spaces is examined here. Estate planning, signage and planting come into this category also.
Estates should be encouraged to provide entrance name signs and directional signage within the estate. Green open space grass areas will need to be cut frequently if a quality presentation is to be achieved. Remember that grass will probably have to be cut back from the top of kerbing by hand. The provision of a few well chosen trees ideally adequately spaced in a clump can often transform an open space.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 32 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 30 marks or 74% of available marks in this adjudication category.
Areas to the back of estates can sometimes become dumping areas for cut grass and other materials.
Residential areas check list
Year round colour should be encouraged rather than planting for summer presentation only.
134.
Recommendation
Simple landscaping at individual houses can often be very effective if the proper trees and shrubs are planted.
The following check list in regard to the general presentation of both estates and private houses may be helpful. All points do not especially apply to Listowel.
By their nature estates can sometimes have litter control problems and this must be addressed by each individual estate.
Road boundary walls will probably need to be painted twice each year especially on busy roads.
Private hedging alongside a footpath will need to be trimmed back to the inside pavement edge from time to time.
Gable end walls though sometimes difficult to paint due to height should be painted when the rest of the house is being painted.
Estate Signage
Timber fencing will require treatment at least twice per year with a proper wood preservative,
135.
Recommendation
Any estates that do not name signage at the estate entrance should provide such signage at an early date. Directional signage within each estate should also be considered at the same time.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Cahirdoon Wood
College Road
136.
Good mature housing complemented by mature landscaping was noted here.
Recommendation
Timber screening here should be continued and all screening painted.
Gurtinard 139.
Recommendation
Graffiti on the ESB unit needs attention.
College Lawn 140.
Recommendation
On the right at the entrance the untidy site area needs early attention. The grass areas in this estate are a little rough. Three flag poles here also need to be painted. Raised manhole covers can be potentially dangerous.
Woodview 137.
Recommendation
Some poor road surfaces are evident here and some road boundary walls need to be painted. The concrete wall at the entrance should be plastered and painted dark grey.
The Lodge Kenny Heights 138.
Recommendation
The grass areas here are excellently presented. Some road boundary walls need to be painted.
Good tree planting was noted at The Lodge.
The Paddocks 141.
Recommendation
Screen the corner site.
Golf View Good tree planting was admired in this estate.
Cluain Doire This is a well presented smaller estate. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN] The very large green area here would be greatly improved by the provision of some groups of native trees.
Ferndene Good entrance landscaping creates a good first impression of this estate. The general landscaping in this estate is very good.
Stokers Drive
Market Street
146.
142.
Recommendation
The closed up house on Market Street needs to be repainted.
Feale Drive 143.
Recommendation
Worn grass area in Stokers Drive need early maintenance.
Charles Street Older terraced cottages were greatly admired along Charles Street.
Recommendation
Kerb weed growth here needs early attention as do the damaged grass areas.
Convent View This is quite a neat and tidy estate.
Liosarda 144.
Recommendation
The gable wall at the entrance to this estate needs repainting.
Ashgrove 145.
Recommendation
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Roads, Streets & Back Areas Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 50 marks. The presentation of approach roads, streets, connecting roads, laneways and bridges is considered under this adjudication category.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 37 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 37 marks or 73% of available marks in this adjudication category.
Importance of the town Approaches All approach roads are most important in that they establish for the visitor a first impression of your area. The following are key aspects of approach roads that should receive your ongoing attention – a. b. c. d. e.
Cross roads / Roundabouts Road verges Grass verges Town / village nameplates Walls, fences and hedging
Road Surfaces
Abbeyfeale Approach 148.
Recommendation
On the Abbeyfeale approach the Speed Limit signs should be painted in cooperation with the Local Engineer. This is an attractive tree lined approach to the town. Roadside timber post and rail fencing needs to be treated. Can the crash barrier be painted – discuss with Local Engineer.
Tralee / Killarney Approach 149.
Recommendation
Some poor verge presentation was noted on this important approach road. The provision of some timber post and rail fencing in area illustrated below should be considered.
The condition of road surfaces in both the village / town and on approach roads will be considered by the annual adjudicator.
N69 Approach 147.
Recommendation
Bad kerb weed was evident on the N69 Tarbert approach road to Listowel on both sides of the road. DONALDSON Tourism & Heritage Consultancy
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Roadside banks on the right hand side of the road towards the bridge need to be trimmed.
Tea Lane 150.
Recommendation
The potential for improvements in Tea Lane has been highlighted earlier in this Report.
Market Street 151.
Recommendation
Some road resurfacing is necessary on Market Street.
John B Keane Road This is an attractive generally well presented road. Good grass areas and tree planting ad much to the overall positive impact here.
Mill Lane Mill Lane has some character and new building development was noted here.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
General Impression Introduction This adjudication category has a maximum of 10 marks and considers the overall impression presented by your entry to the adjudicator. A key question is whether Listowel is presented from a Tidy Towns point of view as an integrated centre. Another issue is whether you have tried to work on all adjudication categories or selected just a few favoured work areas.
2010 Marks In 2010 Listowel received a total of 8 marks in this adjudication category. In the Tidy Towns Competition in 2010 the average mark achieved by the County Winners was 9 marks or 88% of available marks in this adjudication category.
My Overall Impression of Listowel This Consultant spent some considerable time in Listowel during the preparation of this Report. Listowel is a town of great character with an important and most interesting built environment. With a total mark of 201 in 2010 Listowel is now just seven marks behind the 2010 national winner. The town is well placed for future progress in the Competition.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Summary of Recommendations This table summarises the recommendations made under each adjudication category.
Report Introduction
2
Overall Development Approach
13
The Built Environment
39
Landscaping
10
Wildlife & Natural Amenities
10
Litter Control
20
Waste Minimisation
5
Tidiness
34
Residential Areas
13
Roads, Street & Back Areas
5
General Impression
0
Total Recommendations
133
Note that some recommendations have sub-sections with additional recommendations not reflected in the above total.
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Annual Marks Targets In this section of the Report recommendations are offered in regard to annual additional marks targets for the period 2011 to 2013.
Adjudication Category
Actual Marks received 2010
Target marks increase 2011
Target marks increase 2012
Target marks increase 2013
Overall Development Approach
47
1
0
0
The Built Environment
41
1
0
1
Landscaping
40
0
1
1
Wildlife & Natural Amenities
36
0
2
1
Litter Control
31
1
1
0
Waste Minimisation
9
0
1
1
Tidiness
20
1
0
1
Residential Areas
32
1
1
0
Roads, Street & Back Areas
37
0
1
1
General Impression
8
0
0
0
2010 Overall Mark
301 306
313
319
Annual Overall Marks Targets
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[LISTOWEL, CO KERRY 3 YEAR TIDY TOWNS PLAN]
Note on the annual targets The marks targets that have been suggested for Listowel in the period 2009 to 2011 are challenging and this has been done deliberately. The achievement of the targets or near achievement will require a strong performance over the next three years from the Tidy Towns Committee and all the local supporting agencies and organisations.
The role of the adjudicator It must however be fully understood that the responsibility for the award of any additional marks in any year, or the reduction of marks on the previous yearâ€&#x;s performance rests totally with the Tidy Towns adjudication on adjudication day.
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