Project Description
4th September
Roadworks
The roadworks currently underway in Birdhill Village are under the Active Travel Scheme which will provide footpaths and cycle-lanes to link up with the works already completed on the Killaloe road. It will also include pedestrian crossings, realigned junctions, new bus shelters and new planting programmes. The scheme will cause considerable disruption while under construction during the next 12 months, but we look forward to improvements in safety and visual appearance when it is completed.
Finances
The financial year for Birdhill Tidy Towns ends on 30th September. Our Treasurer will then prepare a report on accounts for the Annual General Meeting. Any outstanding bills should be submitted for payment immediately.
Consultation on New National Strategy for Improving Community Safety
A draft national strategy for improving community safety has been published – “An Enabling Framework for Community Safety”. The National Strategy for Improving Community Safety aims to respond to the needs and concerns of communities and help public services and communities work together in a joined-up way to make communities safer. This draft National Strategy for Improving Community Safety, has been informed by learnings from a comprehensive consultation process undertaken with communities, government departments, statutory organisations, and other sectoral interest.
In line with the Act, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, invites final written submissions on this consultation-informed draft National Strategy. The draft National Strategy for Improving Community Safety can be accessed here: View the draft strategy
For more information and to make a submission visit https://www.gov.ie/en/
Closing date for submission is 5pm on Friday 11th September 2026.
Queries in relation to the National Strategy for Improving Community Safety should be directed to strategy@communitysafety.ie.
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Thanks
Birdhill Tidy Village Committee extends sincere thanks to the following who supported or provided sponsorship for our recent Tradfest Weekend:
Tipperary Co. Council.
Apex Aviation.
Lyncare/Axon Rehab,
Calibration Technology,
McHale Plant Sales,
Anchor Point,
Pat O’Donovan Marquees,
Ryan Stoves,
Vision Signs & Design,
Mulcair Credit Union,
Annacotty Farm Shop,
Applegreen, Birdhill,
Freda Gleeson,
Martin O’Halloran,
Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny,
Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin,
Crest Technologies,
Matt the Threshers,
The Thatch Cottage, Ballycommon,
The Cooper’s Bar,
Mr Binman, Seamus Hannon,
Larkins Gala
The Workshop Gym,
Fitzgerald Groundworks,
John Hogan, Accountant,
Dave Lawlor,
The Old Barracks,
Sweeneys, Newport,
Collins Pharmacy, Ballina,
Therese Floyd Hair Salon,
Centra, Newport,
De’Ella, Newport,
SuperValu, Killaloe,
Newport Meats,
McKeoghs Hardware, Ballina,
Mulcair Veterinary,
Mike Allen,
Wooden Spoon, Ballina,
Newport Groomers,
Velvet Rooms Castleconnell,
Tony McDermott, Craft Butcher, Castleconnell,
Whisps Hair Salon, Castleconnell,
Velvet Rooms, Castleconnell,
Bonner’s Bar, O’Briensbridge,
Newport Butchers.
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20th August
Successful Tradfest
Last weekend’s Tradfest was a wonderful success. Thanks to the great work of the dedicated committee, events ran off smoothly and everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion.. The weather obliged for the most part, large crowds attended and everyone seemed to enjoy all the activities. The competition to find the “Young Buck of Birdhill 2026” was the highlight, attracting a huge crowd and proving to be very entertaining, thanks to the hard work of the evening’s M.C. Tom McGlinchey. The winner, chosen by a combination of votes, a clapometer and by adjudicators Rosemary and Noel Joyce, was James Moloney. Further details to come.
Uisce Éireann drop-in Information Clinics
Uisce Éireann is continuing to host drop-in information clinics for the proposed Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region. These informal information clinics provide an opportunity to meet Uisce Éireann’s Community Liaison Officer, learn more about the Water Supply Project, including the opportunities presented by this major project, the potential day-to-day impact of construction, and how stakeholders can stay informed and involved as the project progresses through the statutory consents process.
Upcoming project information clinics will take place on
- Wednesday 26th August 2026 from 12pm – 2pm in Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, The Green, Killaloe V94 W7X6
- Wednesday 26th August 2026 from 5pm – 7pm in Thomas McDonagh Museum Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary E53 EV29
If you would like to arrange a meeting with Uisce Éireann during these times or at any other time, please contact us on watersupply@water.ie.
Seed Saving Workshop for Native Plants
Discover how to gather, prepare and save seeds to create incredible habitats. Free seeds to take away too. Tipperary County Council are delighted to offer this seed saving workshop delivered by Aoife Munn in celebration of Heritage Week. The workshop will be held on Sunday 23rd of August from 10 am to 12:30 in Cabragh Wetlands
Topics Covered include:
- Learning about local biodiversity
- Understand why seed saving matters.
- Know which plants are worth collecting from.
- Recognise native Irish plants suitable for seed collection.
- Understand when seeds are ripe.
- Learn several seed-cleaning techniques.
- Know how to dry and store seed properly.
- Understand the legal and ethical side of collecting seed.
- Leave with several packets of seed they have cleaned and labelled.
To book a place go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/seed-saving-workshop-for-native-plants-tickets-1994937700364?aff=oddtdtcreator
Newsletters
Read Tipperary County Council’s Arts Office newsletter newsletter for August: https://tipperarycoco.ie/sites/default/files/2026-08/August.pdf
Connecting Nationwide August Newsletter: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Connecting-Nationwide-this-August.html?soid=1101987987876&aid=moTCPAnvum4
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8th August
Historical Walk
To mark Heritage Week, our Tradfest Weekend will feature a Historical Walk through Birdhill on Sunday 16th August. The “talk and walk” entitled ‘Contested Spaces’ will focus on the buildings which make up the village, the changes which have occurred over the past two centuries and the people who have brought about those changes.
Participants are invited to assemble at the Old Barracks Coffee Roastery at 4.30pm. The event will take just 30 minutes.
Speaker and guide: Matt Lynch.
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5th August
Busking & Dancing
On Saturday 15th August our Tradfest will feature a Busking Competition with musicians performing throughout the village to provide spontaneous entertainment for all in attendance. Please feel free to ramble around and be entertained by a wide variety of musicians of all ages.
This will be followed by a Dancing Workshop with Marie in the marquee where instruction will be provided on a variety of dances.
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31st July
Rambling House
Our Tradfest weekend will include a Rambling House event on Friday 14th August. Commencing at 8.00pm in the barn of Matt The Threshers, it will feature songs, music, poetry and storytelling. Come along to join in or just listen to local and visiting artists and maybe meet a few surprise guests.
Biodiversity
Tipperary County Council is in the process of finalising a Biodiversity Plan for 2026 to 2031. Click here to read a draft copy of the plan TippCoCo_Biodiversity_Digital_Spreads.pdf
Observations or Submissions are invited.
Recycling Clothing
We were fortunate to have receptacles to recycle clothing in Birdhill for the past few years. Unfortunately, these have been removed due to the ongoing disrespect of some people who continued to deposit items not fit for recycling and others who dumped bags and materials close by.
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25th July
King Buck
We’ve watched and heard of many competitions to select Roses, Miss Ireland, etc. where females were the focus of attention. To give the boys a chance to strut their stuff, we will hold a competition as part of our Tradfest weekend to find the “King Buck of Birdhill.” Interested males should contact any member of the Tidy Towns committee for criteria and further information.
Irish Water
Uisce Éireann will host drop-in information clinics for the proposed Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region as follows:
Newsletters
Arts Office Newsletter: https://tipperarycoco.ie/sites/default/files/2026-07/July_0.pdf
National Tidy Towns Newsletter July: TidyTowns-Newsletter-Issue-2-2026.pdf
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Tradfest
Save the dates: This year’s Birdhill Tradfest will take place from 14th to 16th August. Activities are currently being planned to build a programme around dancing events in the Marquee with music by the following:
Friday 14th: Peter Burke;
Saturday 15th: Keeper Lit;
Sunday 16th: Martin Byrnes.
keep an eye out for further details over the next few weeks.
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10th June
Adjudication Season
Tidy Towns adjudication is now in full swing. W
e ask all local residents to be vigilant for litter on our roadsides and assist in its collection. It might be useful to remind ourselves of some initiatives we promoted in the past:
1. Bring a Bag for a walk: When out for a walk, bring a bag to collect roadside litter;
2. Plogging: Combine jogging with picking up litter;
3. Advise and encourage young children to dispose of litter correctly.
Maintaining beds, planters, flowers and shrubberies is an ongoing task requiring many hands and regular attention. We would welcome more volunteers to help with this work.
Disposing of Electrical items
Waste electrical items can be disposed of free of charge through WEEE Ireland. Check out their website to find your nearest drop off point. Tipperary County Council also offer recycling facilities in the Council yard in Nenagh.
Telephone Kiosk
The ‘Telephone Kiosk’ was installed in Birdhill over 10 years ago. Initially, it was intended as just an Information Hub. Later, shelves were installed to facilitate its use as a mini Community Library. During Covid times, it saw use as a mini Community Pantry. It has proved to be a great facility for locals and visitors, with the simple “Take a book, leave a book” message. However, we appeal to people to refrain from overcrowding the kiosk with books and not to leave other items such as clothing or toys. Please adhere to its role as an Information Hub and a Library.
The kiosk is also a nod to our social and infrastructural history. The first Telephone Box installed in Ireland was in Dublin in 1925. More than forty years later, Birdhill got its own public phone box (Telephone No. 061-379144), located at the Co-op Creamery and opening a link to the outside world. The arrival of the mobile phone saw the demise of the telephone box, but Cathal Glynn’s replica, erected in the village in 2015, while reminding us of times past, serves as a useful modern resource.
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14th May
Climate Action
This week (11th-17th May) is designated Climate Action Week.
See accompanying poster with some practical tips on how we can adopt a few simple habits to do our bit for climate change.
Go to https://climateactionweek.ie/ to check out events, resources and hands-on activities available to help you take action against the many threats to our environment.
Scientific evidence shows that human activity is causing our planet to warm at an alarming rate.
Knowledge is power: become more informed on the issues involved and play your part in ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation
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Date for your Diary
The annual Coffee Festival in the Old Barracks Coffee Roastery will take place from 26th to 28th June.
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30th April
Herb Gardening
Join us for a Workshop on Herb Gardening in Birdhill Community Park on Saturday 2nd May at 10.00am. Expand your knowledge on the uses of herbs, learn some new gardening skills and hear some useful cooking tips.
Quiz
Our Table Quiz last weekend was a great success. Thanks to all who supported, contributed spot prizes, or helped out on the night. Special thanks to Quizmaster, Tom McGlinchey, and to the Coopers for their hospitality. Well done to the winning team – John, James & Bríd Coffey and Noel Duggan.
Newsletters
Follow these links to read some recent newsletters:
1. National Tidy Towns Newsletter Issue 2026 Issue: 5567205 SV TidyTowns Newsletter 2026 Issue 1 March 2026_V07.indd
2. Tipperary County Council’s Arts Office Newsletter April 2026: https://tipperarycoco.ie/sites/default/files/2026-04/April.pdf
3. Farming for Nature Newsletter: https://www.farmingfornature.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Newsletters-2-1.pdf
4. Age-Friendly Newsletters: Latest News | Age Friendly Ireland
Water Supply Project Community Information Clinics
Uisce Éireann will hold drop-in Information Clinics on the Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project as follows:
13th May 12 noon – 2pm in Ardcroney Community Centre (E45W250)
13th May 5 – 7pm in Castleconnell ACM (V94H90P)
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15th April
Table Quiz
Be sure to get your team together for our fundraising Quiz in Coopers on Friday 24th April. Proceedings kick off at 9pm. €40 per team. A night of fun and entertainment is guaranteed.
More Cooking!
Following the success of our recent Cookery Demonstration, we have decided to hold another one. This time we look at ‘Vegetarian Main Courses.’ To learn more and to sample a variety of dishes, come along to Birdhill Community Hall on Monday 20th April from 7 – 8pm. All welcome!
Work Days
Saturday 18th April: Edging kerbsides through the village from 10.ooam to noon.
Week commencing 20th April: Washing and cleaning signage and street furniture.
Week commencing 27th April: Painting.
Can you spare an hour for a one-off task or commit to looking after an area of shrubs or flowers for the summer? Please contact any member of the committee if you can help. All offers of help and support would be much appreciated
Notice Nature
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for new arrivals and awakenings in the environment around us. The cuckoo has already been heard in Birdhill and the swallows have arrived and are busy nest-building. Please let us know about your observations.
Book Swap
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28th March
Cooking Demonstration
Join us for a talk and demo in Birdhill Community Hall on Monday 30th (7 – 8pm) all about using spring ingredients. Find out about healthy recipes using natural ingredients and the products of the countryside.
Easter Work
Good Friday: Meet at the Coopers at 10.00am to tackle any of the following tasks:
1. Spring Clean on the Birdhill-Ballina Road in conjunction with Ballina Tidy Towns.
2. Kerbside side edging on the R445.
Week 6th – 11th April:
1. Potting summer bedding plants;
2. Washing signage and street furniture;
3. Painting.
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Uisce Éireann Information Evenings
Uisce Éireann will host a number of informal drop-in information sessions for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region area over the coming months. These information sessions will provide an opportunity for anyone interested in the Project to ask questions and learn more about the proposed scheme. Information sessions will be held in:
Thursday 16th April from 11am – 1pm in Nenagh Arts Centre, Co. Tipperary E45 CD52.
Thursday 16th April from 5pm – 7pm in Ballina Killaloe Family Resource Centre, Co. Clare V94 W7X6
Tipperary Tourism
Tipperary County Council have captured all of Tipperary’s visitor experiences and made it easier for you to download from one location via Tipperary.com. These guides will inspire you to get out and visit Tipperary. To download tourism guides visit https://tipperary.com/plan-
Arts Office Newsletter
Click here to read Tipperary County Council’s Arts Office Newsletter for March 2026
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18th March
Parades
Birdhill Tidy Towns participated in the St Patrick’s Parades in Newport and in Ballina/Killaloe and took the overall award in both depicting Shannon-Dublin Pipeline. Sincere thanks to all who helped prepare the float, procured the necessary equipment and took part in the parades. Special thanks to Fitzgerald Groundworks for their amazing support and hospitality and to Vision Signs for providing all the signage. See some pictures of the parades in our Photo Gallery (Parades – Google Drive)
Daffodil Day
With St Patricks Day behind us we are onto the next get together and Friday morning in Birdhill Community Hall is it. We would like to extend an invitation to join us for a cuppa and some homemade baked treats, with tea towels, note cards, water bottles, shopping trolley coins, daffodil pins on sale. Please lend your support to this worthy cause.
National Tree Week
To celebrate National Tree Week, Birdhill Tidy Towns will host a Walk and Information Morning on Sat 21st March.
Assemble at the entrance to the Pollaghs at 10.00am. A limited number of tree saplings will be available to participants.
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Notice Nature
Once again we call on local residents to look out for arrivals and awakenings in the changing season and weather. Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses have appeared much earlier than usual this year, with the daffodil in bloom in some places around Birdhill even before Christmas. We ask you to send us details of the first sightings of such things as frog spawn, the swallow, cuckoo, flowers, leaves, etc.
St Patrick’s Parade
Birdhill Tidy Towns will participate in the local St Patrick’s parades this year. We are looking for participants and ideas for a float. Please contact any member of the committee if you can help.
February Work
Details will issue shortly of work that needs to be done during the month of February. We will be focusing on the gathering of leaves in the Community Park and the collection of litter on local roads. Your help would be appreciated.