PHASE ONE

by | May 21, 2020 | News

PLANTERS
The first of the Summer Planters were put into position on the streets of Ballincollig just in time for the start of Phase One. Saturday last six of our Volunteers worked together while adhering to Covid-19 guidelines and put the Pole Planters into place. They immediately gave a huge lift to the area.
On Wednesday evening the Summer Planters were put in place at Eastgate. These planters give a lovely show during the summer. The planters are a substantial investment every year for Ballincollig Tidy Towns but we feel it is worth it for the community, especially this year after all we have been through.
PUTTING A TOE BACK IN THE WATER
This week saw the start of Phase One in the lifting of restrictions due to the Coronavirus. We are now permitted to meet in groups of four even if they are from a different household (while always adhering to social distancing). It was refreshing to see people enjoying meeting up for coffee and catch up around tables or on the streets while enjoying the sunshine. Many more are enjoying new found freedom going golfing, playing tennis or kicking about a ball.
DIY shops and garden centres have also opened which will certainly give us a feeling of getting back to normal.
For the full list of Phase One read our blogs ‘Phase One And What It Means’ and ‘Keep In Mind’.
LITTER PICKS
Some of our Volunteers have been out on a number of occasions again this week doing Litter Picks as they get their exercise. Seven bags of litter were collected. Another Volunteer collected two further bags.
Main Street was in bad condition on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, the litter bins were quite full and as a result crows had a field day picking out a variety of rubbish and shredding it on the street. It is disappointing to see that the level of rubbish has increased in the last week.
Residents are continuing to keep busy in their Estates and it is making a huge difference. Rosewood collected two bags of debris after sweeping the kerbsides and one bag of grass was also collected. Three bags of grass were collected from Fr. Sexton Park.
GETTING BACK OUT THERE
Although Ballincollig Tidy Towns Volunteers were temporarily stood down in line with government recommendations back in March, some are continuing to pick litter in their own areas.
The following precautions must be adhered to by these and any other Volunteers who wish to Litter Pick –
A litter picker must always be used;
Gloves are to be worn at all times;
Rubbish is not to be sorted;
Social distancing must be observed at all times;
We hope to recommence our formal litter picks when the national guidelines allow us to do so.

 

 

CHURCHES
Many of our Churches have reopened at specific times for people to come and say their own private prayers. There are sanitisers available at the doors and safe systems set to enter and exit. Please adhere to social distancing at all times and be mindful of the elderly. Please also show respect and patience so that older people don’t feel rushed. 
WEBSITE

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HAS ANYONE SEEN OUR SIGNS
By now most of us have heard that some information signs in Ballincollig Regional Park have been stolen by an individual or individuals. The Gardai have been alerted to this and are treating it very seriously. We appeal to anyone with any information to contact the local Gardai.
The information signs were designed and purchased by Ballincollig Tidy Towns for the enjoyment of everyone using the Park . In the past number of months our lives have completely changed due to the Coronavirus. Time spent in lockdown proved quite debilitating for many. The Regional Park played a huge part in lifting people’s spirits. How nasty that one / some few people added to that misery by stealing these signs.
MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE CORONAVIRUS
As always, for health advice and the most reliable up-to-date information, see the HSE coronavirus page: