Newsletter 29 November 2024
A Dry Sunday!!
On Sunday morning we had 26 volunteers out for our Weekly Litter Pick. In total Pat collected 12 bags of litter some of which were from Litter Picks during the week.
We covered all the usual areas and covered the areas normally done by people who were away for the weekend.
We managed to get a large amount of the Regional Park covered as well.
During the week we have a number of our volunteers who carry out regular litter picks. These volunteers are not always seen but do an excellent job day in day out week in week out. We are indepted to them all for their fantastic work.
We had a great troop of Transition Year Students out on Sunday and we welcomed Cloe and Frances our newest TY Students.
After our work we adjourned to the warmth of The Plaza for a cuppa and treats. The TY Students all enjoyed their Hot Chocolates
A great morning’s work.
Tower Planting
On Sunday Morning 12 Transition Year Students under the direction of Denis did an amazing job planting the 4 tiered planters on Main Street planting bulbs and primula. The students worked in two groups and from planting to cleaning up afterwards they were excellent and it was lovely to hear the chatter as they worked together.
They even had a visit from their Principal Ms Sliney who complimented them on their work.
A fantastic job by a great group of young people.
Two out of Three ain’t bad!!
On Sunday two of the Three Amigos did a fantastic job of putting in Winter planting in The Parklet on Main Street. They removed summer bedding plants and tidied up other plants before planting heathers and primula. They packed the Parklet with plants and cleaned the whole place down. Gay and Ben did an excellent job and even had time for a chat.
How did this happen??
This week one of our planters was literally blown away from the railing near the White Horse. We have no idea how this happened but we have been told that it was a car going the wrong way.
The planter is beyond repair and we will have to replace it as a fairly substantial cost.
Welcome to Ballincollig
On Tuesday Jimmy, Tommy and Keith had a busy morning. They started by removing 7 Tonne Bags of leaves from Fr Sexton Park and dumping them into Compost Bay 1 at HQ. They then did a great job in removing the plants and compost from the two welcome to Ballincollig Sign planters. They encountered some issues as one of the planters was full of water. They managed to siphon the water out of the planter, filled them with our own compost and then planted them up to brighten the signs as people enter Ballincollig.
GAA Visit
Last Saturday night we were invited to the Chairman’s Annual Dinner at the Ballincollig GAA Pavilion. Club Chairman Donal Hannigan and Club President Aubert Twomey welcomed Tom Butler with Ballincollig’s Two All Ireland Trophies
Great credit is due to Ballincollig GAA Club for their physical support of Ballincollig Tidy Towns and showing pride in their community.
From youth members carrying out litter picks to adult members being very supportive of the Cork GAA Community initiative
BTT wishes Donal every success as his term as Club Chairman comes to an end.
5 Green Flags for Cork City Council
Great credit to due to the Management and Staff at Cork City Council for the excellent work they do in maintaining and consistently improving our local parks in their area.
Ballincollig’s Regional Park has retained its Green Flag
Click HERE for more details.
Winter Cleaning
On a cold wet Thursday morning Ger didn’t waste any time getting stuck in to segregating rubbish and then in the shelter of the tunnel he brushed and cleaned the planter wicks in preparation for 2025.
2025 Creative Communities Grant Scheme
We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2025 Creative Communities Grant Scheme, funded by Creative Ireland. This initiative aims to empower communities by supporting creative projects that foster artistic expression, strengthen community connections, and create lasting social benefits.
Now in its third year, the 2025 scheme introduces a pilot two-tier funding model designed to better support a range of creative projects:
• Level 1: €1,500 – €3,000, ideal for smaller-scale projects or pilot initiatives.
• Level 2: Up to €6,000, suitable for larger, more ambitious projects with significant scope and impact.
Applications are invited from community groups across Cork City, including schools, youth clubs, neighbourhood groups, and other social, cultural, or environmental communities. Artists/creative practitioners may also apply, provided they have the active support of a target community group. All eligible projects must demonstrate collaboration between the community and artists or creative practitioners and address at least two priorities outlined in the Cork City Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023-2027.
Please find attached the Guidance Notes for the 2025 grant scheme, with detailed information on eligibility and criteria.
To support potential applicants, Cork City Council will host a public information webinar on Wednesday, 4th December at 11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. This session will provide a detailed overview of the scheme, guidance on selecting the appropriate funding level, and tips for completing the application form. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the assessment process.
To register for the webinar, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-
Grant applications must be submitted online via Cork City Council’s Submit platform at corkcity.submit.com/show/371. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 12th February 2025.
VOICE’s Priorities For Our Next Government
Our throwaway culture drives the triple planetary crisis we face today: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The next government must take bold action to tackle these challenges and make Ireland a leader in circularity. Here’s what we’re asking for:
• Introduce a strong Circular Economy Action Plan to reduce waste, promote reuse, and adopt policies like the Right to Repair and sustainable procurement.
• Follow France’s lead by taxing fast fashion and curbing overproduction.
• Scale up reuse packaging systems, support skills training for repair industries, and upgrade civic facilities to focus on refurbishment instead of waste.
• Enforce bans on harmful single-use plastics and improve waste segregation policies.
• Advocate for a robust Global Plastics Treaty to cut plastic production worldwide and ensure Ireland’s policies align with international efforts to protect the planet.
You can read more of our key priorities HERE
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT – FOOD WASTE
Clonakilty Community College Students and Noreen Moynihan (representing Clon Tidy Towns) getting ready for the launch of ‘Stop the Sachets’ launch – Photos by Rob Murphy (RM Media)
Starting this month, Waste Not Want Not will be working on a new community-wide initiative in Clonakilty called ‘Stop the Sachets’. Using local media and in collaboration with local Chamber of Commerce, Tidy Towns, Mayoral Council, businesses, community groups and schools the goal is to eliminate the use of ketchup, vinegar, mayo and butter sachets (to name a few!) from Clonakilty town. READ MORE HERE
Year in Review: Tell Us What You Think
We value your voice! As wewrap up the year, we’d love to hear your thoughts about your experience withus. Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we canimprove. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey—your input willshape the future of our projects and campaigns.
Thank you!
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