Projects

New Hand Sculpture at Ennis Cathedral

Projects form an important part of Ennis Tidy Towns. Many mistake litter as the primary focus of the Tidy Towns Initiative but the programme of work is much more than that issue alone. Tidy Towns is about looking at your town and identifying how to highlight the social, cultural and historical uniqueness for all to understand and enjoy.Ennis Tidy Towns has over the years worked with the local authorities alongside a number of organisations, schools, residential associations, business and community groups in developing new projects. No project is too big or too small as long as it enhances Ennis Town for all to enjoy. Projects are categorised under the following categories:

Conservation and Presentation of Buildings

New Bicycle Stands O'Connell Street Ennis

Projects include the development of playing pitches on previously neglected land which has not only enhanced the area but also reduced anti-social behaviour. Other projects undertaken include the location of a number of bicycle stands throughout the town to facilitate cyclists and encourage more people to opt for this environment friendly mode of transport. Future projects include the refurbishment of the Tim Smyth Park and playground facility, development of historic walking trails, a youth café to cater for the needs of our younger population and the introduction of a new Irish Themed Shop Window Display Competition.

Landscaping

Manse Garden

Promotion of the Manse Garden is a major project this year highlighting the magnificent Sculptures in this hidden public garden for all to enjoy. Promotion of the Lees Road recreational area and Ballyalla lake as a family facility is ongoing. Future projects include the installation of a new sculpture in Clonraod and the development of a new people’s park. Ennis Tidy Towns will also work closely with the local authorities in consultation with the NRA regarding the landscaping of the roundabouts on link roads on the Ennis By-pass.

Wildlife

Projects focus on the conservation of natural amenities and wildlife areas, encouragement of wildlife, amenities, development of walks and nature trails with appropriate access to the public.

Litter Control

Ennis Tidy Towns projects concentrate on the Absence of litter and dumping, the existence of regular litter patrols and other planned activities including involvement of schools, promotion of anti-litter awareness. Examples of projects include:

1. Cigarette Related Litter
2. Gum Litter
3. Graffiti Project

Tidiness

Projects under this heading look at reducing the general lack of clutter in location and condition of signage, unused lamp poles, blocked footpaths, unsightly electric cables, absence of graffiti and fly-posting, traffic management, control of weed growth on kerbs. Planned projects under this heading include the following:

• Pedestrianisation of the town centre.
• Walking Bus Initiative

The ‘Walking Bus’ was piloted in Ennis on the 20th May 2009 by pupils and parents of Ennis National School. The Walking Bus is a term given to a group of school children who walk to and from school, The Walking Bus promotes regular exercise among parents and pupils and increase safety on the school journey. Participation in a Walking Bus also reduces the level of congestion and air pollution caused by cars on the school run and helps participating pupils learn pedestrian skills and road safety.

Residential Areas

There are over 100 residential estates listed in our database complete with contact names, addresses and telephone numbers. Ennis Tidy Towns keep in regular contact with this group informing them of clean-up days, opening times for recycling centre and for Inagh Landfill. This website will act as a resource for these groups advising them of initiatives to enhance their living space. The website will also act as a resource for participants to gain access to information and contacts.