RONAN FAGAN
The consistently diligent work of numerous local community volunteer groups was formally recognised this week when Athlone achieved a gold medal standard accolade at the annual National Tidy Town’s awards ceremony.
The realisation of such positive news was warmly received by Athlone Tidy Towns committee chairperson, Gerry Johnson, who noted that the gold standard achievement was a just reflection of the collective efforts of all those who strive to present the town in a presentable and welcoming manner.
“This national recognition is a reward for all the hard work of numerous volunteers in residential areas of Athlone, who work diligently and earnestly to maintain their local environment in a clean and presentable manner.
“Together with the ongoing support of the local Council staff, this collective approach has resulted in the attaining of this significant accolade. We are also indebted to those who provide financial assistance to assist our committee and enable such progress to continue.
“Our Athlone Tidy Towns committee members are to be commended for their consistent and invaluable loyal support, especially those who tackle tasks such as planting, painting and clear up litter blackspots on a regular basis,” Mr Johnson asserted.
Prior to achieving the prized gold standard accolade, Athlone Tidy Towns committee, reconstituted in 2006, had achieved three bronze medals and a silver medal at the annual National Tidy Town’s award ceremony
“It has been a long and difficult road to achieve such an accolade and our approach to achieving the gold medal standard for Athlone was to liaise closely with the Athlone-Moate Municipal District and the local business community, planning all the necessary actions required to attain this award.
“This recognition is also valuable from a tourism perspective and helps to make Athlone a preferred destination for our many visitors.
“The competition is not just about making Athlone clean and attractive by collecting litter and planting flowers. It has been broadened to address issues like nature and biodiversity and sustainability - doing more with less.
“This may provide a major challenge for our committee in identifying and addressing how we can go forward as we plan to tackle these areas of major concern given the current thinking in COP26.
“This award is for all the people in Athlone and we are privileged to be able to compete at a national level to represent our town.
“We have since been approached by the National Tidy Towns Office to enter Athlone in next year’s ‘All of Ireland’ competition in the large town category, where we will be competing with a similarly sized town in Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to this challenge,” Mr Johnson enthused.
Gold Medal Glory
Echoing similar sentiments, Athlone Deputy Mayor, stated that the awarding of a National Tidy Town’s gold medal standard accolade was a “massive achievement” for the town.
“When the news recently emerged that Athlone had finally achieved a National Tidy Towns gold medal award, I literally punched the air.
“I am sure the local public are not fully aware how difficult it is to achieve the gold medal standard in this competition - trust me, it is a massive achievement for such a big town, but it is true and now we have the medal to prove it,” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
Cllr O’Rourke paid homage to the wealth of volunteers whose consistent work ensured Athlone attained the gold medal standard.
“The council outdoor employees take care of a lot of the heavy lifting and without them our task would be impossible. The business champions, the residential estates and all those who played their part by way of our community clean-ups or locally organised events - well done to you all, your trojan efforts are greatly appreciated.
“While this is a huge achievement for Athlone and the tidy towns volunteers and due recognition for all our hard work in recent years which is very welcome, the work to maintain this gold medal standard begins now.
“We, as a community, need to realise that hitting this standard is very very difficult. It involves a lot of planning and developing strategies relating to biodiversity, regeneration, sustainability, planting, litter control, wildlife preservation, school liaison, business liaison and town presentation.
“All within our local community should realise that the ethos of tidy towns is much more than litter picking - more accurately it is a dynamic, strategic town enhancement project.
“For us to maintain this gold medal standard and to build upon such an accolade will take a lot of planning and work. Each individual must play their part - I am calling on the people of Athlone to give a little of their time, either in your own area or with the tidy towns volunteers, please do what you can to further enhance the upkeep of our town,” Cllr O’Rourke concluded.
