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The Mayor of Waterford and the President of Waterford Chamber have united in a call to city businesses to ensure their premises and the surrounding area are well presented during the summer months when tourism peaks.
The call from Cllr Jack Walsh and Colin McGookin has been given added impetus by the fact that Tidy Towns judging will take place in the city shortly.
Urging businesses and all who care for the city and its reputation to work hard to keep Waterford tidy, Cllr Walsh said this is especially important in summer when the city attracts tens of thousands of extra visitors. “Summer is traditionally the peak time for tourism in the city and it is also in July and August that the Tidy Towns judging takes place so we have a double incentive to spare no effort in the weeks ahead to ensure we present our city in the best possible light to visitors and locals alike.
Photo by John Power Photography
“The levels of litter in a city and – more positively – how the public spaces and civic buildings are showcased is one of the key yardsticks used by any newcomer. This applies equally to potential inward investors as much as to tourists and other visitors. It is also a reality that all of us living in Waterford benefit from an improved quality of life when our city is kept litter free and properly maintained throughout.”
Cllr Walsh said that while the most recent IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) league results published in mid-June had found Waterford ‘clean to European norms’, there is always more to be done. “The IBAL survey ranked the city 26th of 55 urban centres with populations of 6,000 or more so we would obviously be keen to move up the league table. This requires a united approach and we will all be winners from improved presentation of our city. I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Trojan work done by the City Council’s outdoor staff day in and day out to keep our streets clean.”
For his part, Colin McGookin encouraged businesses to work in partnership with the local authorities and community to ensure Waterford presents itself as attractive as it is.
“Many of those who visit the city and the South East frequently comment on their experiences strolling around the city. It is vital that we make the most positive possible first impression if we are to increase the number of return visitors and the average length of stay. There has been great progress made in parts of the city centre over the last 5 or 10 years and this can now be further advanced.
“As President of Waterford Chamber, I now join with the Mayor of Waterford in urging our members and others with business premises in the city, to make a concerted effort in the weeks ahead to showcase all that’s best about Waterford. If everyone takes care of their own premises and the immediate adjacent area, then we will make great strides forward.”
While the national competition has been running since 1958, 2007 was the first year that Waterford city centre and outlying residential areas were judged in Tidy Towns; achieving a score of 244 from a possible 400 marks. Judges evaluating entrants to Tidy Towns allocate marks under several headings – overall development approach; built environment; landscaping; wildlife and natural amenities; litter control; waste minimisation; tidiness; residential areas; roads, streets and back areas and general impression.
In welcoming Waterford city to the Tidy Towns competition, the comprehensive 2007 adjudication report included references to Parnell Street as “a fine row of 19th century houses” and acknowledged the “many traditional shopfronts throughout the city”, specifically citing ‘Occasions’ and ‘Shoebaloo’. The judges also referred to how their early Sunday morning inspection “found a city with good litter control and evidence of organised litter collection” and labelled the children’s play area at Railway Square as “a gem” and “well presented”.
The “high standard” maintained at Ballybeg housing estate was also acknowledged with the judges saying that, in general, housing estates - especially those that are more established – are well presented. The adjudication also said the streetscape, road surface, signage and street furniture are of a high quality throughout the city.
The report which also offered pointers for Waterford’s 2008 entry concluded, “Waterford, a Viking city, has witnessed centuries of intensive maritime activity and we note your promotion of the forthcoming Tall Ships’ Races for 2011: we wish you well. The new developments on the quay and riverside area are now your strong points, together with John Roberts Square, an excellent example of urban renewal.
“The Thomas Francis Meagher monument is an appropriate sculpture adjacent to Reginald’s Tower and commemorates one of your legendary sons. You have many striking buildings not identified and this could be done over a period. Your challenge is to mix the new with the old. You are endowed with a river of great importance offering endless opportunity for leisure and commerce. Your entry into the Tidy Towns is welcome and we hope you will continue enhancing your environmental attractions and developments.”
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