When the Tidy Towns adjudicator visited Kilcullen in the first week of July, 'it was a pleasure ... much to see and enjoy, with some welcome surprises',
writes Brian Byrne.
A steady improvement on all fronts resulted in Kilcullen gaining nine extra points in this year's competition.
The narrative is mostly positive and encouraging on what is described as 'a very busy year' for the Tidy Towns group, 'which is to be commended for the level of commitment given to progressing its projects'.
There is praise too for the 'great efforts' of numerous commercial business premises to improve the streetscape along Main Street. On this,
The Spout,
The Hideout/Locker Room, Ellen's Hair Salon,
Armelle's Kitchen, and
Nichola Kennedy Optometrist 'to name but a few' are highlighted. Window displays in
Bardons,
Nolans and
Berney Chemists are given honourable mention.
The work of the Tidy Towns group in trying to improve the look of unoccupied premises, a 'blight in many towns and villages ... largely outside of your control', also garners positive mention. Another positive is the public consultation on the work in progress plan to redevelop the
Market Square. Less happy elements noted include the derelict building beside the medical centre ('what are the plans?'), and traffic congestion which brings consequent noise and air pollution for pedestrians.
The
Kilcullen in Bloom summer flowers programme has made 'a significant difference to the overall presentation' of the town, according to the adjudicator, who was particularly attracted by the old painted bicycle attached to the Cross and Passion gates.
The work on the
Valley Park during the year is also noted, including the removal of poplar trees on safety grounds. But the report cautions against taking out too much vegetation growth in the park, as this has 'significant wildlife value'. A suggestion is made that more information be provided about the history and use of the
Spout.
Not unexpectedly, the 'fabulous amenity' of the
Camphill Farm and Nature Walk is again admired. As is the work undertaken to provide suitable wildflower and pollinator-friendly plantings at a number of locations in the town. The cleanup of
Pinkeen stream is praised, as are the talks on
wildlife in the Liffey and the
Swift nest boxes for increasing awareness of the biodiversity of local habitats.
With the increased emphasis in the competition on Sustainability, the adjudicator's visit resulted in two extra points for Kilcullen here. The launch of the
Sustainable Energy Communities project helped, and the report makes suggestions in relation to the potential of expanding the use of and facilities for electric vehicles, and the development of cycleways and greenways along the Liffey. 'Worthwhile initiatives' already undertaken are noted, such as the
Recycling workshop, the
Shop Local campaign, and the
Kalbarri Food Night.
There is 'excellent work' in
litter control and tidiness, the report says, adding a 'well done' to the volunteers who carry out regular clean-ups on the Main Street and the approach roads. Some
signage gets negative comment, including the 'visual clutter' of those on the fencing at the entrance to the Community Centre campus, and the brown tourism signs on the approach roads which are 'due for renewal at an early date'.
The generally 'very well presented' residential areas receive positive comment, with
Cnoc na Greine,
Castlemartin Lodge,
Esker Lea,
Laurel Wood and
Moanbane Park all on the honour roll, and
Nicholastown getting mention for the wildlife area on the green.
"It is evident that the local community has hugely benefited from your efforts over the years."
— the adjudicator, on the work of Kilcullen Tidy Towns.
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