Carrick-on-Suir's relaunched Tidy Towns group is looking for volunteers

Carrick-on-Suir’s Tidy Towns and Environment Group signed up new volunteers at its relaunch event in Carrick-on-Suir Town Hall last Thursday and welcomes more people to get involved in the group.

It was also the occasion for the launch of Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club’s Biodiversity Action Plan, authored by renowned ecologist Dr Fiona MacGowan.

The event, hosted jointly by Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District and Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club, attracted a large attendance including representatives of local residents’ associations and community groups, local businesses and a significant turnout from the town’s Ukrainian community,

Carrick Lions Club President Maura Barrett spoke at the launch about the Lions’ ethos and track record in biodiversity and environmental projects. She looked forward to delivering on the actions contained in the Biodiversity Plan in partnership with the local authority and all stakeholders.

Brian White of Carrick Lions Club outlined his vision for the Tidy Towns and Environment Group and the Lions Club’s commitment to support the new entity for the next two years.

He acknowledged the almost single-handed efforts of Seamus Campbell of Carrick-on-Suir Business Association, in entering the town every year in the National Tidy Towns contest and thanked him for his hard work on behalf of the community.

He also acknowledged the attendance and support of PJ Guinan of Carrick-on-Suir SuperValu on the evening.

Deirdre Murray and Clodagh Fitzpatrick of Clonmel Tidy Towns Group generously shared their experience and sound advice, outlining the pitfalls and advantages they encountered since their committee emerged from the ashes some three years earlier.

Their group’s website and social media presence are examples of best practice and their willingness to share their expertise is a hallmark of how Tidy Towns groups network nationally.

Dr Fiona MacGowan, who was a National Tidy Towns contest judge for many years, gave a wonderful talk on Carrick’s new Biodiversity Action Plan, which was funded with the assistance of the Community Foundation Ireland Biodiversity Fund.

Dr MacGowan had close involvement with the national competition, acting as adjudicator over many years, and provided some valuable pointers.

She also recounted the experience of her native Abbeyleix in county Laois, who that won the national Tidy Towns contest in 2023 after 65 years of existence

At the end of her talk she presented the Carrick-on-Suir Biodiversity Action Plan to Maura Barrett and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr David Dunne.

Many in attendance signed up to attend the upcoming inaugural meeting of Carrick Tidy Towns.