It’s Tidy Towns, judging time!

Tallaght Community Council have entered Tallaght village into the national Tidy Towns competition for the first time this year. Their application was a weighty 56 pages outlining the work undertaken in the past 12 months, plus a strategic 3 year plan for the village.

The Tidy Towns group was established in May 2022 and since then have held over 90 cleaning events, invested over 1,000 volunteer hours into projects. These projects range from sweeping, weeding, planting all the way to creating several new biodiversity areas across the village. It is fair to say, the village area is looking much better already and feeling a better place to be in as a direct result of this community effort.

Tallaght village businesses are supporting the volunteers too, making it a budding team effort.

Colm O’Cochlainn, Fanagans, AWS, MRA Accountants, Lidl HQ, SJOG, Bank of America, National Learning Network, Threshold, WALK, South Dublin Volunteers, TUD Tallaght, Old Bawn Community School, Priory Youthreach and Coláiste Brid have all sent volunteers to help the Tidy Towns weekly events.

AWS volunteers and the Wednesday Tallaght Village Tidy Towns crew

Tallaght Community Council acknowledges the role volunteers and village businesses can play in this effort.

“The volunteers in Tallaght never cease to show up – they are the life blood of the community. The sense of camaraderie  grows week on week. There are regulars who never miss a week who we are extremely proud of.

Businesses too are becoming more aware and engaged in the ongoing activity. This rising tide lifts all boats – for village residents and businesses.

“Fanagans and MRA accountants have been weekly regulars which shows a strong interest and commitment to their community and the village. Fanagans are hosting a water butt for us, sponsored by AWS to enable the Tidy Towns harvest rain water to help water the on-street planters,” said Tara De Buitléar, PRO.

Olivia De Luc, Fanagans, Chris Keeley TCC and Nollaig Ryan, branch manager Fanagan’s Tallaght with the water butt outside Fanagan’s premises, sponsored by AWS

This week, AWS have come back for their 3rd volunteer day in Tallaght village. They brought a big group of over 20 volunteers who tackled the grafitti plaguing the roadside cabinets and litter bins through the village. They will be back again in July to do another day.

“The judging takes place during July or August. It is unannounced, so it’s important we maintain our efforts to keep the village looking its best through the summer. We are asking everyone to play a part. Bin your litter, if you spot litter pop it into the nearest bin. Sweep outside your shop or office. Every little bit will help us perform well in the competition,” said Roderick Smith, Chair of TCC 2023/24.

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