TidyTowns volunteers proud to continue with their clean-ups

NEWCASTLE TidyTowns are proudly continuing their thrice-weekly clean-ups after seeing success at this year’s TidyTowns Competition.

This year, the group earned 14 extra marks compared to their standing in last year’s competition, bringing their total to 324 marks – the overall 2023 winner received 376 marks.

Newcastle TidyTowns is led by Declan Sheerin and has a group of dedicated volunteers who carry out clean-ups on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm on a weekly basis.

“Our work involves weeding, grass cutting, planting and painting,” Declan told The Echo.

“Throughout the village, we have 20 beds and over 30 wooden containers which must be planted, maintained and watered during dry periods.

“Litter-picking is done two to three times a week, depending on need. Our cart is the most photographed piece of street furniture in the area.

“Unfortunately, we have very little green space left in the village, so it is difficult to carry out certain projects.

“The increase in population means the volume of work increases also.

“Last year we did stone kerbing at the village green, and we are grateful to the Church of Ireland community who partly sponsored the project.

“Our two beautiful stone beds at the top of Aylmer Road were kindly sponsored by Sandymark, while the stonework at the fruit and herb garden was sponsored by Vantage Data Solutions.”

The work by the group was commended by the TidyTowns adjudicators and the group are already looking forward to sprucing up the area even more for next year’s competition.

“Next year it is planned to do some more work on biodiversity, sustainability and climate change,” added Declan.

“Some of our wooden planters are past their sell-by date, so we hope to replace them with barrels.

“In our adjudicator ́s report it was recommended to get the youth of the area more involved.

“So next year we will be encouraging the pupils from St Finian’s Primary school and the local youth club to take on some projects.”

He continued: “Our TidyTowns volunteers are extremely proud of their achievements to date and I am so grateful to all of them for working so tirelessly week in week out and helping to enhance our beautiful village for the benefit of the community.

“We are always looking for extra helpers, so if you feel you can spare an hour, please make contact with any of our team. You will be helping to make Newcastle a nicer place to live and call home.”

Declan added that he wanted to thank South Dublin County Council, RAMS in Rhythm, and SuperValu for their support.