Community action group involving several Tidy Towns organisations announces that it is winding up

A community action group involving several Tidy Towns organisations in East Roscommon has this morning announced that it is winding up after plans to bring a Community Employment Scheme to the area were unsuccessful.

“This morning as Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club sets up under the watchful gaze of Sliabh Bawn, we announce that our collaboration comes to end today,” said a statement from the Sliabh Bawn Community Amenities Group.

The group was comprised of Cloontuskert, Scramogue, Ballyleague, and Strokestown Tidy Towns groups.

The groups had come together to bring a Community Employment Scheme to the area. “Unfortunately this is not, nor likely to ever happen despite political approaches, representation and meetings,” said the statement from the group.

The group added that the various organisations must now continue in an “isolated and less than sufficiently supported way”.

“The ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Tourism Ireland initiative "Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands" will be supported by volunteers as will the only Bord Na Mona village in Roscommon - Cloontuskert and the town that bridges Longford & Roscommon - Ballyleague.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts from table quizzes in Frank’s Bar, and Leavy's Bar to planting of bulbs and litter picks. The sense of community is strong in rural Roscommon.

“Some lifelong friendships have been created across the towns and villages involved as we truly understand the frustrations involved with community development and the expectations on volunteers. It is no easy task.

“We will be closing the page so no more storm updates, road closures or community information in a collective way,” the group concluded.