Naas$Tidy$Towns:$$Our$31YearPlan$ - County …€¢...

Naas Tidy Towns: Our 3-‐Year Plan

2015 to 2018

Naas Tidy Towns 2015


Naas Tidy Towns Plan 2015-‐2018 2

WELCOME TO NAAS: This is our Plan This is a 3-‐Year Plan for Naas Tidy Towns. This plan has been drawn up in order to guide the work of our Tidy Towns Committee, volunteers and supporters over the next 3 years. A practical and realistic plan has become a requisite for Tidy Towns groups wishing to perform well in the Tidy Towns Competition. However, a plan such as this should also be useful for the group actually doing the work, rather than simply an end in itself. Therefore, this plan has been designed to be easily read and understood, applies to real issues, projects and aspirations of the group, its supporters and the residents of Naas -‐ the chief beneficiaries of our ongoing work. Our Plan follows a simple format. For each of the categories, we set out the main areas where we see our time and energies should best be directed -‐ Our Tasks Ahead. These will then be the focus of our work over the next 3 years. The following section sets out the tasks that we think are priorities and that we will be able to take on in the next year -‐ Our Tasks for Year 1. As we address these tasks over the coming years, those we are able to deem completed will be consigned to the growing number of our achievements and then other tasks will be assigned year on year as required. We see our role in Tidy Towns as being key to the maintenance of the high quality environment that we all enjoy here in Naas. We are therefore very grateful to all of our colleagues, volunteers, sponsoring businesses and other supporters. We hope that we will continue to enjoy the same cooperation and successes over the timeframe of this plan and into the years ahead.



Community Involvement & Planning

Overall quality of the Entry Form, town/village map and appropriateness of backup material submitted with your entry. Other key issues are the participation of the local community, businesses, schools and youth in general; working partnerships with local civic agencies; works carried out and appropriate projects completed; existence of an achievable updated Tidy Towns Plan. Social inclusion, whole of community approach, the role of volunteers and new residents that is apparent in activities.

Our Tasks Ahead

• NTTS will continue to promote its role and ongoing work via website and social media. The organisation will expand this role into current and evolving media such as they arise (e.g. Twitter and Tumblr).

• NTTS is proud of its strong volunteer ethos. It will continue to value its volunteers and

promote the participation of youth, retired and ‘new Irish’ members. A new award scheme will be created to acknowledge and encourage these volunteers.

• NTTS will continue its work with the outstanding Green Schools of Naas. A dedicated officer

will work with schools and the Environmental Awareness Officer.

• NTTS will continue to promote the work of the group in events such as the Easter Parade.

• Every NTTS project will be ‘branded’ with ‘Another Naas Tidy Towns Project’ plaque or sign.

• A roster for volunteer work will be created and will be made viewable by members online.

• A major campaign on a new theme will be chosen for NTTS each year.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016 Community Involvement & Planning

• A new award scheme will be created to acknowledge and encourage youth, retired and ‘new Irish’ volunteers.

• A roster for volunteer work will be created and will be made viewable

by members online. • A major campaign on a new theme will be chosen for NTTS this year

• All of the NTTS projects will be ‘branded’ with ‘Another Naas Tidy

Towns Project’ plaque or sign



Built Environment & Streetscape

Buildings: Conservation and presentation of heritage buildings and quality of shop-fronts: design, sustainability and suitability of new structures to their location and environment; treatment of derelict sites and unoccupied buildings; design and suitability of civic amenity buildings. Public Spaces: Squares, parks, streetscape, paving, landscaping and street furniture; street lighting, building facade lighting, appropriately designed signage relating to streets and place nameplates, parking locations, historical trails, walkways and access points to local amenities and facilities, way-finding and the general use of the Irish language; sustainability and access for everyone.

Our Tasks Ahead

• NTTS will continue to encourage and support shop owners by holding a Best Shopfront competition as part of its annual awards.

• NTTS will make submissions to Kildare County Council on the upkeep and condition of

derelict and disused buildings.

• The upkeep of the Town Council building will remain a priority for NTTS.

• NTTS will make a submission to Kildare County Council on the rearrangement of car-‐parking on Poplar Square.

• NTTS will work with businesses and residents on the improvement of the appearance of

the Fair Green.

• NTTS will carry out a survey of building fronts for minor repairs, renovation and alterations.

• NTTS will liaise with shop-‐owners on the suitability of signage on premises.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016

Built Environment & Streetscape

• NTTS will carry out a survey of building fronts for minor repairs,

renovation and alterations. This will culminate in a report which will be distributed to relevant parties including the County Council and businesses.

• NTTS will make submissions to Kildare County Council on the upkeep

and condition of derelict and disused buildings.

• The upkeep of the Town Council building will be a priority for NTTS who will work with Kildare County Council on this building.

• NTTS will work with businesses and residents on the improvement of

the appearance of the Fair Green as part of an ongoing project in this area.



Landscaping and Open Spaces Appropriate planning and management of open spaces, selection and siting of native trees, shrubs and flowers for year round effect and maintenance of planted areas. Presentation of roundabouts and all grass strips.

Our Tasks Ahead

• Naas Tidy Towns will draw up a plan for the placement and filling of planters of consistent design and planting.

• The bed at the junction of New Row and Harbour View is to be redone. The flax here is

to be removed and replaced with flowering shrubs of benefit to pollinating insects. These to include heather, lavender and fuchsia.

• The Wall at Well Lane is to be planted with ivy and willow.

• Sites for planters of consistent design are to be found at Poplar Square.

• Sites for street trees are to be found at Poplar Square.

• The entrance to the IDA site is to be addressed. Flowering shrubs such as Spirea may

be considered here.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016 Landscaping and Open Spaces

• Naas Tidy Towns will draw up a plan for the placement and filling of planters of consistent design and planting.

• Naas Tidy Towns is to work with Kildare County Council on landscaping

plans for Poplar Square which is to include the planting of street trees and the creation of landscaped areas or the positioning of permanent planters.

• Work at Mill Lane is to continue. The Wall here is to be planted with ivy

and willow. The site is to be a priority for work for the coming year, including additional tree-‐planting and Japanese knotweed treatment.



Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities Raising understanding and awareness of the natural amenities in your area, including any aspects that make your area important for conservation (e.g. waterways, field boundaries, coastal features). An appreciation of how species and habitats should be best protected and managed. Provide evidence of good co-operation with expert groups and relevant authorities, especially in carrying out work in sensitive areas. Provision of access to natural areas and interpretation of key aspects.

Our Tasks Ahead

• A kingfisher survey of Naas watercourses is to be carried out.

• A Local Biodiversity Action Plan should be drawn up from the many studies that have been carried out here.

• The bird boxes are to be maintained on an annual basis.

• Bat-‐boxes are to be inspected on an annual basis.

• NTTS is to work with Kildare County Council on the opening of Oldtown Demesne to the public as

an amenity area with a high value being placed on the biodiversity of the site.

• A survey of bird nesting habitat is to be carried out. This to include the built environment. • The creation of additional wildfowl nesting habitat is to be investigated at the Lakes.

• Areas containing Japanese knotweed are to be identified and treatment carried out as an urgent

priority.

• An annual canal walk is to be held with a variety of biodiversity themes (e.g. crayfish, bats).

• The proposed Greenway project is to be promoted by NTTS in terms of biodiversity enhancement.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016 Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities

• The proposed Greenway project is to be promoted by NTTS in terms of biodiversity enhancement.

• Areas containing Japanese knotweed are to be identified and treatment

carried out as an urgent priority.

• NTTS is to work with Kildare County Council on the opening of Oldtown Demesne to the public as an amenity area with a high value being placed on the biodiversity of the site.

• A Local Biodiversity Action Plan should be drawn up from the many

studies that have been carried out here.



Tidiness and Litter Control

Tidiness: General lack of clutter, blocked footpaths, redundant poles, unsightly overhead electric cables, absence of graffiti and fly-posting, and evidence of control of weed growth at kerbs. Absence of unsightly and or inappropriate advertising, such as that on gables of buildings and mass produced advertising banners in shop fronts. Litter: The adjudicator will assess the absence of litter and dumping, evidence of litter control strategy, including regular litter patrols, segregation of collected litter during clean-ups and promotion of anti-litter awareness throughout community.

Our Tasks Ahead

• Naas Tidy Towns is to actively promote the Neat Streets project.

• NTTS will continue to hold high-‐profile litter-‐picks which will raise awareness of the voluntary movement as well as anti-‐litter action.

• NTTS will continue its efforts to counter anti-‐social behaviour including bonfires at

Halloween.

• A survey of areas in need of weed control is to be carried out and a schedule for addressing these drawn up.

• An audit of tidiness issues at the Fair Green is to be carried out and a schedule for

addressing these drawn up.

• NTTS is to continue to organise Spring Clean events.

• NTTS is to seek support for anti-‐graffiti kits from Kildare County Council.

• Anti-‐graffiti treatment is to be carried out on walls at the harbour where feasible.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016 Tidiness and Litter Control

• A survey of areas in need of weed control is to be carried out and a schedule for addressing these drawn up.

• An audit of tidiness issues at the Fair Green is to be carried out and a

schedule for addressing these drawn up.

• Anti-‐graffiti treatment is to be carried out on walls at the harbour where feasible.

• Naas Tidy Towns is to actively promote the Neat Streets project.



Sustainable Waste & Resource Management How you manage waste and promote efficient use of resources (e.g. water, energy, transport) in your community. Provide evidence of practical steps taken to prevent or reduce waste produced across your community or how you reuse your resources. Provide examples of awareness campaigns, events or activities hosted by the community.

Our Tasks Ahead

• Naas Tidy Towns will review the new guidelines in this category and will select a number of projects to complete over the 3-‐year span of this plan with a minimum of 1 new project per year being carried out.

• NTTS is to continue its work with Naas Green Schools to carry out waste-‐avoidance and

minimisation projects.

• NTTS will support and promote the charity shops of Naas for their role in reuse.

• NTTS is to seek to form partnerships with Naas businesses which will be ‘flagships’ for the promotion of waste-‐savings and good practice.

• NTTS is to prioritise water-‐saving measures for irrigation and watering of plants and

landscaped areas.




Sustainable Waste & Resource Management

• NTTS is to seek to form partnerships with Naas businesses which will be

‘flagships’ for the promotion of waste-‐savings and good practice.

• Naas Tidy Towns will review the new guidelines in this category and will select a number of projects to complete over the 3-‐year span of this plan with a minimum of 1 new project per year being carried out.

• NTTS is to prioritise water-‐saving measures for irrigation and watering of

plants and landscaped areas.



Residential Streets and Housing Areas Proper presentation and maintenance of all properties with due cognisance given to maintenance of frontages, boundary and gable end walls. Gardens, where applicable, should be presented to a good standard. In housing developments green areas should be cut regularly. Childrenʼs play areas to be considered with equipment maintained to best standards. Where possible individual estates should have suitable name signs - stones, plaques, sign posts, etc. preferably bilingual. How the community is addressing the issue of unfinished estates.

Our Tasks Ahead

• Naas Tidy Towns is to continue to foster the good relations between the group and the nearly 100 residential areas of the town.

• NTTS is to continue to organise the Residential Area Awards scheme to encourage the

high standards in these areas, these to include Best Garden and other individual categories.

• Inter-‐district awards are to be held.

• The above awards are to include categories that encourage water-‐saving measures.

• A Facebook project is to be devised which highlights the vital role played by residential

area groups such as residents’ associations. This will be designed to encourage residents’ groups to share tips and progress.

• A ‘local heroes’ annual award for outstanding volunteer work may be part of the above

project.



Our Tasks for Year 1: 2015-‐2016 Residential Streets and Housing Areas

• NTTS is to continue to organise the Residential Area Awards scheme to encourage the high standards in these areas, these to include Best Garden and other individual categories.

• The above awards are to include categories that encourage water-‐

saving measures.

• A Facebook project is to be devised which highlights the vital role played by residential area groups such as residents’ associations. This will be designed to encourage residents’ groups to share tips and progress.



Approach Roads, Streets and Lanes Appropriate presentation of approach roads, including the roadside verges and their boundary treatment. The appearance of town and village streets, connecting roads, laneways, bridges and cycle lanes. Provision for inclusive access and pedestrian connections.

Our Tasks Ahead

• Naas Tidy Towns is to work with Kildare County Council on the establishment of the Naas Canal Greenway, this is to include the promotion of the many benefits of the project as part of its work.

• NTTS is to assist in the researching of further Slí na Sláinte routes on the roads to the west of Naas.

• Woodland-‐style planting is to be carried out on the Dublin Road (south) which is to match that opposite.

• Hawthorn planting is to be carried out behind the fencing on the Kilcullen Road. • Tree-‐planting is recommended on the northern side of the Kilcullen Road from

opposite the hotel to the college. • The old (black and white) Naas sign on the Kilcullen approach is to be removed as it is

no longer necessary. • Informal signage is to be addressed on all approach roads. In particular, the Newbridge

Road is to be assessed for over abundance of unlicenced signs. A survey of these is to be carried out.

• Hedgerow planting is to be carried out in front of or behind the palisade fencing at Chadwicks on the Newbridge Road.

• A double row of trees is to be planted in front of Lidl on the Newbridge Road. • Signage to mark the crossing point of the Corbally Canal is to be planned. • The cherry laurel on the Newbridge Road is to be replaced over time with native or

flowering shrubs. • A short area of tree-‐planting is to be carried out on the Blessington Road close to the

roundabout on the southern side.




Approach Roads, Streets and Lanes

• Naas Tidy Towns is to work with Kildare County Council on the establishment of the Naas Canal Greenway, this is to include the promotion of the many benefits of the project as part of its work.

• Informal signage is to be addressed on all approach roads. In particular,

the Newbridge Road is to be assessed for over abundance of unlicenced signs. A survey of these is to be carried out.

• Woodland-‐style planting is to be carried out on the Dublin Road (south)

which is to match the planting opposite.

• A double row of trees is to be planted in front of Lidl on the Newbridge Road.

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