Sixmilebridge Tidy Towns 2007 Result: 254 points

Overall Development Approach 38/100
Thanks for your excellent application, up to date strategic plan 2005-2008 and very helpful sketch map of the town and its surroundings. It is very noticeable that this committee has embraced the ethos of partnership judging by the number of statutory bodies and relevant agencies that you are engaging with. With this approach the support of the local community will be forthcoming regarding the future standing in the National Tidy Towns competition.

The Built environment 36/50:
Like many other towns of its size Sixmilebridge is experiencing change that was not envisaged ten years ago. The amount of new housing developments is staggering for a place of its size and it was noted that there were a number of works ongoing.
Let's hope that the town will be able to service this entire new infrastructure. That aside, the town has many fine examples of well maintained and well presented premises both public, commercial and private. The following caught the adjudicators' eye: St. Finnachta's National school, the Garda station, the Catholic church, the GAA grounds, Teach na Cuirte, the Credit Union, the library, the Old House pub, McGrath's pharmacy, senior citizens' houses, the wonderful new reconstructed Garna House Archway. All involved are to be congratulated on their civic pride in the town. The square was very much admired, keep an eye on the grass cutting and curb side weeding and the adjudicator looks forward to returning to view the proposed footbridge.


Landscaping (36/50):
The visual effect of the colourful hanging baskets on the bridge and other planters in the town area was very pleasant without being overbearing or over beautified. Planting by GAA grounds was very good, however could do with cutting back some areas.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities 26/50
Sixmilebridge has a myriad of areas that are havens for wildlife. The committee is to be congratulated for endeavouring to promote wildlife conservation. What a wonderful area of conservation the wildlife park. You are to be congratulated on this wonderful local initiative. Well done to all concerned. The new notice board was also admired.

Litter Control 29/50:
Litter control was very good on all approaches and in most housing estates. The town centre was not quite as good, a few wrappers and plastic bottles visible throughout the centre. Keep promoting the message of good litter control to all sections of the community.

Waste Minimisation 12/20:
This is a new area which has to be addressed under the national tidy towns competition. The race against waste is a campaign in raising awareness of better waster management practices. It is incumbent on us all to embrace this in light of our poor record among the wider European community. Refer to the race against waste publications included with the original application package for initiatives that would suit your community. One excellent initiative is the green flag project for national schools. Again please involve the children, as children love such projects and learn at an early stage from best practices.

Tidiness 16/30:
For the most part, back areas were quite tidy. All approach roads were neat and tidy; keep up the good work.

Residential Areas 28/40:
Sixmilebridge had a major influx of new residents in the last few years and this has resulted in major infrastructural changes to the town. This type of new developments are very much in keeping with the original landscape and the only concern that the adjudicator would voice is that too much of this type of progress may suffocate the uniqueness that Sixmilebridge has to offer. Large developments on the Old Limerick Road were not as impressive as the smaller housing areas in the town.


Roads, Streets & Back Areas 25/50:
The quality of the landscaping has been alluded to elsewhere in this report. The main entrance from Limerick is excellent.

General Impression 8/10:
It is nice to see Sixmilebridge looking so well and it is always a pleasure to visit the town and sample the hospitality. Good success has been achieved in the competition to date. You intend to build on this as reflected in your work plan for the future. You are wished well in the competition in the years ahead.