Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Chairperson of Roscommon Tidy Towns Association, said the announcement by Minister Michael Ring TD that the National Tidy Towns Competition for 2020 is cancelled came as a disappointment to so many volunteers around the county and country.
At this time close to 1000 groups would normally be busy completing the application form for the competition. While the competition is judged during the months of June, July and August, the work for the competition is ongoing throughout the year with many projects planned and documented for the application form.
“I would encourage groups to continue taking photographs of projects they are working on to keep as a record for future application forms” Cllr. Shanagher said.
“With many people at home and taking an interest in gardening I would suggest checking out the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to get advice as to what to plant to make your garden pollinator friendly and look after the bees”.
Some members are bringing their litterpicker, bag and gloves with them when out walking and are keeping their areas clean.
Cllr. Shanagher noted: “Unfortunately, some other people continue to throw rubbish and in particular disposable gloves on the ground and expect someone to pick them up.
“There has also been an increase in illegal dumping in areas around town. The Council is to carry out a ‘blitz’ on all households in the county to check if they have an up to date rubbish disposal service.
“Bottle banks and clothes banks are being emptied regularly so there is no need for dumping at these sites – bring it home and return when the banks are emptied or else you could be fined and this includes leaving empty boxes at the banks”.
