Marks improve all round for Donegal MD Tidy Town participants 

Sometimes, it can be hard to take the occasional bit of criticism, but for the committed few that volunteer countless hours each year keeping their beautiful towns and villages clean and tidy, the annual SuperValu Tidy Town results are a validation of the amazing efforts put in by volunteers throughout the county.

It was revealed at the October Donegal Municipal District meeting that all of this year’s participants had improved on their marks from last year and in the case of Kilcar, they were a most welcome addition back to the fold after Covid-19.

This year Killybegs, Donegal Town, Kilcar, Bundoran and Ballyshannon were the entrants from the Donegal Municipal District.

Killybegs increased their score by six marks from 331 to 337; Donegal Town had a similar score and six mark increase; Bundoran made the biggest jump in the area over the twelve and gained an extra eight marks moving up from  301 to 309 marks.

Ballyshannon, which won the Town Centre First Award increased their mark from 273 to 280.

And Kilcar, on its welcome return, notched up an impressive 315 marks.

Cllrs Kennedy, McMahon, Sweeny, Jordan, Naughton and Conaghan (Chair) were full of praise for the huge efforts that had been made within the District.

In Bundoran’s case, in their concluding remarks, adjudicators had said: “Keep up your excellent work in Bundoran, as you positively impact the town's fabric for visitors and residents alike.”

Click here for the full Bundoran adjudication. 

Ballyshannon was told: Ballyshannon is a beautiful heritage town that has benefited from the hard work of the Regeneration group. Please keep up the excellent work that you have done.

Click here for the full Ballyshannon adjudication. 

The Donegal Town report noted: 

"The proposed redevelopment of the diamond will benefit the community by developing a new multi-use space. The proposed new one-way system will help ensure traffic can move smoothly through the Town. Seeing the Tidy Towns group participating in such a significant project is good.

"The Tirchonaill bridge in the town centre was particularly well presented and neatly painted in dark green. A strong feature of Donegal Town is your excellent finger signposts. It is good to see the refurbishment of old buildings into new businesses in the Town, and the finished HSE centre is a valuable piece of infrastructure."

Click here for the full Donegal Town adjudication. 

In Killybegs it was observed: "On adjudication day, Killybegs was very well presented, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and scheme participants. The daily litter picks in the Fintra strand are to be commended, as well as the shore cleans. It is good to hear about the efforts that are being made to help maintain Fintras beach's excellent water quality.

"The use of foot-operated bins should stop birds from taking rubbish from bins. You should be commended on your litter control efforts, as it must be consuming to keep such a busy port looking so well. 

Click here for the full Killybegs adjudication.

Kilcar was welcomed back after Covid and there was again much praise:

"Kilcar is a very attractive village. It is obvious you are active in the from the many attractive aspects of the village.
We look forward to your future progress now that the group has got together again. Go neirigh go geal libh amach
anseo."

Click here for the full Kilcar adjudication.