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Tadhg O’Donovan, PRO Fermoy Tidy Towns, Noel McCarthy Chairman and local landscape consultant John Doran pictured at the new picnic area which has been developed at Kevin Barry Hill as part of a Tidy Towns enhancement project for the site. Photo: Ellen Lynch

What was previously an overgrown patch of land at Kevin Barry Hill in Fermoy has been transformed into an amenity area for townspeople.

Fermoy Tidy Towns are behind the project but chairman Noel McCarthy says they couldn't have done the work without the help of a number of individuals and bodies. Among those credited with lending support and practical help to the project are former mayor Michael Hanley, town engineer Brendan O'Gorman, town clerk Pauline Moriarty, the principal and staff of St Colman's College, Ann Twohig, HEO with FAS, local landscape consultant John Doran, FAS workers under the supervision of John Feeney and the ESB who supplied old poles for use on the site.

John Doran, who created the plan for the steeply-sloped site, explained that the next levels will be planted with indigenous trees and shrubs conducive to wildlife. A pathway will be made into the centre to allow visitor viewing areas. A whitethorn hedge has been set to act as a boundary to the site.

The first phase of the development, which is now complete, saw a patch of land cleared of scrub. It's at the top end of the site, close to the gable wall of St Colman's school. It's been established as a picnic area and townspeople are now being encouraged to make full use of it. It's a designated 'no litter zone' so litter bins aren't being provided as they can often result in an accumulation of rubbish. Instead anyone enjoying a picnic there is asked to take their rubbish home with them. Thanks are extended by the Tidy Towns group to Walsh's Pharmacy, The Park Clinic and the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership for sponsoring the picnic tables. The fourth picnic table was funded by the Tidy Towns group itself.

"We're delighted with how it has turned out. There were many plans over the years to improve the appearance of this site at Kevin Barry Hill but none came to anything. Now we have this excellent amenity for townspeople," Tadhg O'Donovan, PRO of the Tidy Towns committe said. Students of St Colman's will also have somewhere to eat outdoors if they choose.

Tidy Towns chairman Noel McCarthy, revealed that they are to install CCTV to deter vandalism, littering and anti-social behaviour. "We want this to be a pleasant spot for people to enjoy," he stressed.

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