Community notes Jan 7th

Ringing in the New Year

The long -standing tradition of ringing in the New Year at The Belfry in the church grounds was maintained on New Year’s Eve. A sizable crowd gathered around an open- air fire kindly prepared by Liam Ryan as mid-night approached. The penal bell rang out once more as it did in former times in Timoleague at St. Mary’s Church which was located behind the Parochial House. The bell at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary also peeled and both bells ushered in 2023. The hardy gatherers linked arms and gave a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne in the dry, crisp night air. Absent friends were remembered and the very first occasion that this lovely event was begun, spearheaded by the late Percy Ryan was recalled with fondness by those gathered around the heat of the fire.

Festive Season

Timoleague village was a busy place during the festive period of Christmas and the New Year. Local businesses reported a welcomed increase in foot flow which was clearly evident. The Christmas street lighting together with the crib and Christmas tree at the village centre were greatly admired and appreciated and extended a Cead Mile Failte to the many who visited Timoleague.

The Walk Way from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry, along the old railway line was thronged and it was a delight to see everyone using this wonderful facility. Indeed, it is a source of pride to members of Timoleague Tidy Towns, some sadly no longer with us that it is proving so popular and is an endorsement of their ambition and foresight. Long may it be used and maintained for the benefit of all.

Tidy Towns Report Contd.

The following is a continuation of the adjudicator’s 2022 report:

“This year the AIPP is focussed on gathering survey data to assess the impact of all the good work groupssuch as the Tidy Towns are carrying out across the country e.g., at the Biodiversity Garden. The NationalBiodiversity Data Centre has developed a new app to make this survey work easy for groups through the use of ‘FitCounts’. FIT stands for‘Flower-Insect Timed Count’. FIT Counts are very simple and are a very useful tool for TT

groups to measure change in their local biodiversity, especially when they have taken action already for pollinators.By carrying out FIT Counts throughout the year and across future years, it will help track the impact of your actionson insect numbers and diversity as well as providing important data for the National Biodiversity Data Centre(biodiversityireland.ie). It would be good to get local schools involved in these counts. Please follow this link for

further information Flower-Insect Timed Count (FIT Count) - National Biodiversity Data Centre(biodiversityireland.ie)

Sustainability-Doing more with less:

Your focus in relation to this category this year is the continuing efforts to encourage water conservation,the sustainable use of recycled materials e.g., installation of recycled plastic seating at the playground, stoneentrance signs, recycled anti-litter awareness signs, transport sustainability and improved cycle training etc. Other areas worthy of consideration by Molaga Tidy Towns Committee for the future under this category,which is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals, include the development of small electricmicrogeneration schemes for Wind, Solar and Hydro in partnership with the Local Authority and these may alsoattract suitable SEAI or Leader funding. You might look at the overall availability of public e-car charge points and bicycle parking facilities in thevillage and where there are deficiencies, suggest suitable locations where these could be provided in the short term. The Committee might also consider in the future initiating membership of the Sustainable EnergyCommunities programme run by the SEAI which includes engaging in learning networks, preparation of energymasterplans and local energy action plans etc. The following are useful links in this regard.https://www.seai.ie/community-energy/sustainable-energy-communities/https://www.codema.ie/sec The ongoing management of rainwater and floodwater in the context of climate change is an importanttopic to be considered under this category. This is a particularly critical issue in areas which have suffered fromcoastal and other flooding in recent years. The committee should be aware of the nature-based solutions to themanagement of rainwater/floodwater and surface water run-off, water sensitive design, best practice etc. A recentpublication by the Dept. of Housing Local Government andHeritage is available and provides important guidance inthis regard”.