Thursday, 22 October 2026
Request for additional roads safety signage
Sunday, 27 September 2026
Thursday, 24 September 2026
๐ก PLEASE CHECK IN ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS ❤️
๐ก PLEASE CHECK IN ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS ❤️
At our recent Ongar Tidy Towns meeting, we discussed something that is just as important as keeping our community clean and tidy — looking out for one another.
We recently became aware that one of our neighbours is living with cancer, and we were more than happy to offer our support and see if there was anything we could do to help.
It reminded us that sometimes, a simple "How are you?" can mean so much.
We all lead busy lives, but taking a few minutes to knock on a neighbour's door, have a chat, make a phone call or offer a helping hand can make a real difference.
❤️ Maybe an older neighbour needs help with the shopping.
❤️ Maybe someone is living alone.
❤️ Maybe someone is going through a difficult time.
❤️ Or perhaps they simply need someone to have a chat with.
You don't have to do anything extraordinary. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs additional support, please consider reaching out to a trusted family member, friend, GP or appropriate local support service. Nobody should feel that they have to face difficult times alone.
Let's make Ongar not only a cleaner and greener community, but a kinder, friendlier and more connected one.
๐ This week, why not check in on a neighbour?
Say hello. Have a chat. Ask how they're doing.
You never know how much that small gesture might mean. ❤️
Ongar Tidy Towns — working together for our community.
#OngarTidyTowns #Ongar #Community #LookingOutForEachOther #CommunitySpirit #Kindness
Friday, 21 August 2026
Fast gas in Our Parks and Streets: Why Discarded Canisters Pose a Serious Dange
Fast gas in Our Parks and Streets: Why Discarded Canisters Pose a Serious Danger
By Ongar Tidy Towns
A growing litter crisis is emerging across Irish communities—one that goes far beyond the cosmetic appeal of our public parks and residential streets.
As captured in the accompanying photograph, large, abandoned Fast gas canisters are becoming an increasingly common sight in local woodlands, along footpaths, and across green spaces.
For Ongar Tidy Towns, this trend is deeply concerning. While our volunteers regularly dedicate their time to keeping Ongar clean, safe, and vibrant, the surge in discarded nitrous oxide canisters introduces a serious hazard to public health and volunteer safety.
This is not ordinary litter.
What Is Fast gas?
Fast gas is a prominent brand of high-capacity pressure canisters containing nitrous oxide—commonly referred to as "laughing gas." Nitrous oxide serves legitimate purposes in medical, dental, and culinary settings. However, severe issues arise when the gas is intentionally inhaled for its psychoactive, intoxicating effects.
In recent years, Ireland has experienced a noticeable rise in the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly among young people. The visible evidence of this habit is left behind in our public spaces in the form of heavy metal pressure vessels.
More Than Just an Eyesore: The Hidden Hazards
At first glance, a discarded canister might appear to be harmless metal trash. In reality, these items pose significant risks to anyone who comes across them—as well as to the broader waste management infrastructure.
Pressurized Risks: Because these canisters store gas under high pressure, improper handling can cause sudden ruptures.
Disruption to Recycling Facilities: Discarded canisters entering municipal waste streams pose severe explosive hazards inside compaction trucks and waste-processing machinery, threatening the safety of sanitation workers.
Hazards for Volunteers: For community groups conducting routine litter picks, encountering pressurized containers introduces unacceptable personal risks.
Important Safety Guidelines: Do Not Touch
The safety of our volunteers and residents is paramount. If you spot a Fast gas or nitrous oxide canister during a clean-up or walk, do not attempt to collect it yourself.
If you encounter a canister:
Leave it in place: Avoid touching or moving it unnecessarily.
Keep children away: Ensure curious bystanders maintain a safe distance.
Do not place in standard bags or bins: Never toss canisters into plastic rubbish bags, household bins, or public street bins.
Never tamper with the valve: Do not attempt to crush, puncture, or vent the container.
Report it: Contact Fingal County Council or your local authority for specialist disposal.
The Serious Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide
The litter itself is only one dimension of this issue; the physiological effects of misusing the gas are equally alarming.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can immediately cause dizziness, severe headaches, disorientation, loss of coordination, and sudden drops in blood oxygen levels. Furthermore, releasing compressed gas rapidly generates extreme cold. Inhaling directly from a canister or nozzle can inflict severe frostbite on the lips, mouth, throat, and lungs.
Despite the colloquial name "laughing gas," there is nothing harmless about its recreational use.
Chronic Health Impact: Neurological Damage
One of the least recognized dangers of frequent nitrous oxide exposure is its ability to deactivate Vitamin B12 in the human body. Prolonged or heavy use severely impairs the nervous system, leading to:
Persistent numbness and tingling in the extremities
Balance deficits and difficulty walking
Long-term nerve degradation and spinal cord damage
A Widespread Challenge Across Fingal and Beyond
This issue extends far beyond Ongar. Tidy Towns committees and civic groups throughout Ireland report finding large canisters during clean-ups.
Local authorities across Fingal have collected significant volumes of discarded canisters, proving this is a systemic challenge rather than an isolated incident. These items are becoming a persistent, high-risk constituent of community waste.
Protecting Children in Our Public Spaces
The bright colors and novel appearance of large pressure canisters often attract the curiosity of young children. A child exploring a park or playing outdoors should never be exposed to drug-related waste or pressurized hazards. Public parks must remain safe, welcoming environments for families to enjoy without concern.
How You Can Help Keep Ongar Safe
Maintaining Ongar requires a collective effort, but public service should never compromise volunteer safety.
Report, Don't Touch: If you encounter dangerous items, notify the local authority immediately.
Talk to Young People: Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of nitrous oxide with teenagers. Accessibility and colorful packaging do not equate to safety.
Seek Support: Anyone concerned about nitrous oxide misuse should consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Let us work together to protect our green spaces, support our waste management teams, and keep Ongar clean and safe for everyone.
Ongar Tidy Towns — Keeping our community vibrant, one safe clean-up at a time.
Come join us for our next monthly Litter picking - September 12th
Come Join Us for Our Next Ongar Litter Pick! ๐งน๐ณ
Saturday 12th September at 10 a.m.
There’s something really positive about getting a group of people together and doing something simple that makes a difference.
That’s exactly what our next Ongar Tidy Towns litter pick is all about.
We’re inviting everyone in the Ongar community to come along on Saturday 12th September at 10 a.m., where we’ll be meeting at the Ongar Basketball Courts before heading out to tackle some of the litter around our local area.
Whether you’ve been involved with Ongar Tidy Towns for years or you’ve never joined us before, you’re very welcome.
You don’t need to be a member of anything. You don’t need to know anyone. Just come along, give us a hand and spend a bit of your Saturday morning helping to make Ongar a nicer place.
Why Do We Do It?
The simple answer is that we care about where we live.
Ongar is a great community, with plenty of green spaces, paths, parks and places where people can get out and enjoy the area. But unfortunately, litter is still a problem.
We regularly come across bottles, cans, food wrappers, takeaway rubbish and all sorts of other waste that has been left behind.
It can be frustrating, especially when you know that a lot of it could easily have been put in a bin.
But rather than simply complaining about it, Ongar Tidy Towns wants to do something about it.
That's why our community litter picks are so important.
Every time we head out, we can make a visible difference. A few people picking up a few bags might not sound like much, but when everyone works together, it soon adds up.
And when you walk back through an area after cleaning it, there’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference.
You Don't Have to Give Up Your Whole Saturday
We know everyone is busy.
Saturday mornings can mean shopping, sport, family commitments, walking the dog, catching up with friends or simply having a lie-in!
We're not asking you to spend the whole day cleaning.
If you can spare an hour, that's brilliant.
If you can stay a little longer, even better.
The important thing is simply turning up and getting involved.
There’s no pressure and no complicated commitment. Come along, help out for as long as you can and enjoy the morning.
Bring Someone With You
One of the nicest things about community clean-ups is that they give people a chance to meet others locally.
Why not ask a friend to come along?
Bring a neighbour.
Bring your family.
Or, if you're feeling brave, just turn up on your own!
You’ll soon find yourself chatting with other people who live locally and who, like you, want to see Ongar looking its best.
Getting involved in something like this can also be a great way for new residents to get to know people in the area.
Ongar has grown enormously over the years, and there are always new people moving into the community. Events like our litter picks are a simple way of bringing people together.
It's Not Just About Picking Up Rubbish
Of course, the main aim is to remove litter.
But there’s more to it than that.
A clean community creates a better environment for everyone. It makes our streets and green spaces more pleasant, and it gives people a greater sense of pride in where they live.
It also sets an example.
When people see volunteers out picking up litter, it reminds everyone that our local environment matters.
Hopefully, it also makes people think twice before dropping something on the ground in the first place.
We want to encourage a culture where people look after Ongar rather than simply expecting somebody else to do it.
Our Local Environment Deserves Better
There’s no doubt that litter can be a real challenge.
Once rubbish starts building up, it can quickly make an area look neglected.
That's something we don't want for Ongar.
We want our children to be able to enjoy clean parks and green spaces. We want people walking around the area to feel proud of where they live. And we want visitors coming into Ongar to see a community that genuinely cares about its surroundings.
That doesn't mean everything will always be perfect.
It simply means that we can all do our bit.
And that's what Ongar Tidy Towns is trying to encourage.
Could You Give Us a Hand?
If you've never been involved before, why not make Saturday 12th September your first litter pick?
You might be surprised how enjoyable it can be.
There’s something satisfying about seeing a pile of rubbish disappear and knowing that you helped make that happen.
And you never know – you might enjoy it so much that you'll come along to the next one too!
We'd love to see a good turnout from across Ongar.
The more people who come along, the more ground we can cover and the bigger difference we can make.
๐ Put the Date in Your Diary
So, here are the details:
Ongar Tidy Towns Community Litter Pick
๐
Saturday 12th September
⏰ 10 a.m.
๐ Ongar Basketball Courts
Just turn up and we'll take it from there.
If you have your own litter picker or gloves, feel free to bring them along, but don't worry if you don't have equipment.
Most importantly, bring yourself and a bit of community spirit!
Let's Make Ongar a Place We Can Be Proud Of ❤️
Nobody can solve the litter problem on their own.
But if enough people are prepared to give a little bit of their time, we can make a real difference.
That's what Ongar Tidy Towns is all about – getting local people involved and working together to make our community cleaner, greener and a nicer place to live.
So if you're free on Saturday 12th September, we'd love you to join us.
Come along to the Ongar Basketball Courts at 10 a.m., bring a friend or neighbour and give us a hand.
You don't have to stay for hours.
You don't have to be a regular volunteer.
Just come along and help us get stuck in.
Every bottle picked up, every can removed and every bag of rubbish collected is one small improvement for Ongar.
And if we all do our bit, those small improvements can add up to something pretty special.
We hope to see you there!
๐งน Ongar Tidy Towns
๐ณ Working together for a cleaner, greener Ongar.
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Family Fun Day Coming to Ongar Community Centre – Sunday 6th September 2026
Family Fun Day Coming to Ongar Community Centre – Sunday 6th September 2026
A Fantastic Day Out for All the Family in Ongar
Ongar is getting ready for a fantastic afternoon of family entertainment, fun and community spirit as the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday 6th September 2026, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.
With a great selection of activities planned for children and families, this promises to be a wonderful opportunity for local residents to get together, enjoy themselves and celebrate everything that makes our community special.
The event is particularly welcome as the summer holidays come to an end, giving families in Ongar and the surrounding areas a chance to enjoy one last big afternoon of summer fun before the children return to school.
And with admission costing just €1, with children under two going free, it looks set to be an affordable afternoon for local families.
Plenty of Fun and Activities
There is something for everyone at the Family Fun Day, with a colourful programme of entertainment planned throughout the afternoon.
One of the highlights for younger visitors will undoubtedly be the Kids Train, giving children the chance to enjoy a fun ride while soaking up the atmosphere.
There will also be face painting, allowing children to transform themselves into their favourite characters, animals and colourful creations.
For those who enjoy getting creative, a craft fair will provide another attraction, while an indoor show will add even more entertainment to the afternoon.
Music lovers will also have something to look forward to, with a brass band included among the planned activities.
And, of course, no family fun day would be complete without plenty of balloons! Balloon madness promises to bring plenty of colour and excitement to the event.
The organisers have also promised lots more, so visitors can expect a lively afternoon with plenty happening.
A Chance to Bring the Community Together
Events such as this are about much more than entertainment.
A successful community depends on people getting involved, meeting their neighbours and creating opportunities for families, children, older residents and local organisations to come together.
Here at Ongar Tidy Towns, we believe that community spirit is incredibly important.
Whether it is people volunteering to keep our streets and green spaces clean, residents supporting local events, families getting involved in community activities or local groups working together, every little contribution helps make Ongar a better place to live.
The Family Fun Day is another opportunity for the community to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
You might meet someone you have never spoken to before, bump into an old friend or simply spend a few hours enjoying the afternoon with your family.
Sometimes the simplest community events can create the best memories.
Supporting Our Local Community
Ongar has grown enormously over the years, with families from many different backgrounds now calling the area home.
That makes community events particularly important.
They provide an opportunity for everyone to feel included and welcome while celebrating the local area.
Events such as the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day can also help introduce people to the different groups, organisations and activities available locally.
If you are new to Ongar, this could be a great opportunity to discover what is happening in your community and perhaps get involved in something new.
For families who have lived in Ongar for years, it is a chance to support an event close to home and enjoy an afternoon with friends and neighbours.
A Great Way to Finish the Summer
September can be a strange time of year.
The evenings begin to get shorter, the children are heading back to school and everyone starts thinking about the autumn months.
That is why an event like this is a perfect way to squeeze in one more afternoon of summer fun.
The colourful decorations, balloons, entertainment, music and children's activities should create a fantastic atmosphere around the community centre.
And because the event runs from 2pm until 4.30pm, there is plenty of time to come along, enjoy the activities and still have your evening free.
So whether you have young children, grandchildren, friends or simply want to support something happening in your local community, why not come along?
Ongar Tidy Towns Encourages Everyone to Get Involved
At Ongar Tidy Towns, we are always encouraging local people to take pride in where they live.
Community spirit doesn't only mean picking up litter or looking after our green spaces. It also means supporting local organisations, attending community events, helping neighbours and encouraging people to get involved.
The Family Fun Day is a great example of that community spirit.
We would encourage residents from Ongar, Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Clonsilla Village and the surrounding Dublin 15 area to support the event and help make it a great success.
Bring the children, bring your friends and come along ready for an afternoon of fun.
Put the Date in Your Diary!
The important details are:
๐ Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
⏰ Time: 2.00pm – 4.30pm
๐ Venue: Ongar Community Centre
๐️ Admission: €1
๐ถ Children under 2: Free
With a kids train, face painting, craft fair, indoor show, brass band, balloon madness and plenty more entertainment, there should be something to keep the whole family entertained.
Most importantly, this is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy an afternoon in Ongar.
So, mark Sunday 6th September 2026 on the calendar and get ready for the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day.
Let's support our local community, support local events and make it an afternoon to remember.
Ongar Tidy Towns wishes the organisers every success and hopes to see plenty of local families there
Friday, 7 August 2026
Sunday, 2 August 2026
New Sheriff in town
๐ค Meet the Sheriff of Ongar: There’s a New Law in Town… and It’s Called Litter!
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Bonus Clean up for July
Sunday, 21 June 2026
July's big clean up
๐งน Come Join Us for the Ongar Tidy Towns Litter Pick! ๐ฟ
A clean community is a happy community, and we need your help!
Ongar Tidy Towns is inviting everyone in the community to come along and join our next litter pick on Saturday 11th July at 11am, meeting at the Ongar Basketball Courts.
It’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet neighbours, have a chat, and make a real difference to the area we all call home. Every bag collected helps keep Ongar looking its best and shows the pride we have in our community.
Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, everyone is welcome. Bring along family, friends, and neighbours — the more people who get involved, the bigger the impact we can make together.
So please mark it in your calendar and come along on Saturday 11th July at 11am. We hope to see as many of you as possible there!
A big thank you to everyone who continues to support Ongar Tidy Towns and helps make our community a cleaner, greener, and nicer place for everyone.
๐ Date: Saturday 11th July
⏰ Time: 11am
๐ Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball Courts
See you there! ๐
#OngarTidyTowns #CommunitySpirit #KeepOngarClean #TeamOngar #TidyTowns #VolunteerIreland
Sunday, 31 May 2026
Come join us 13th June 2026
Grab Your Gloves, Ongar! Let’s Make Our Community Shine on 13th June
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Ongar Tidy Towns: Let’s Come Together for Our Biggest Clean-Up Yet – Saturday 16th May 2026
Ongar Tidy Towns: Let’s Come Together for Our Biggest Clean-Up Yet – Saturday 16th May 2026
There’s something powerful about a community that rolls up its sleeves and takes pride in where it lives. In Ongar, that spirit has been growing stronger with every clean-up, every bag of litter collected, and every friendly face that shows up to help. Now, it’s time for our next big push—and you’re invited.
On Saturday 16th May 2026 at 11am, the Ongar Tidy Towns group will be gathering at the Ongar Basketball Courts for what promises to be one of our most impactful clean-up events yet. Whether you’ve joined us before or you’re thinking about coming along for the first time, this is your chance to make a real difference in your local area.
Why It Matters
We all notice it—litter in green spaces, discarded packaging along pathways, and the occasional trolley or bulky waste left where it doesn’t belong. These things don’t just affect how our neighbourhood looks; they impact wildlife, community pride, and how we feel walking through our own surroundings.
But here’s the good news: change happens quickly when people come together.
Every clean-up event we’ve held has shown just how much can be achieved in a short time. What might look like an overwhelming mess can be transformed in a matter of hours when a group of motivated locals gets stuck in. And beyond the physical transformation, there’s something even more important—the sense of ownership and connection it builds.
More Than Just Picking Up Litter
If you’ve never been to a tidy towns clean-up before, you might be picturing a quiet, solitary task. In reality, it’s anything but.
These events are:
Social – You’ll meet neighbours, make new connections, and share a few laughs along the way.
Active – It’s a great way to get moving outdoors without it feeling like a chore.
Rewarding – There’s nothing quite like seeing the immediate results of your effort.
Families are welcome, individuals are encouraged, and no experience is needed. Whether you can give 30 minutes or a couple of hours, it all counts.
What to Expect on the Day
When you arrive at the basketball courts at 11am, you’ll be greeted by the Ongar Tidy Towns team. Equipment such as bags, gloves, and litter pickers will typically be provided, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own.
You’ll then be grouped up and assigned areas around Ongar that need attention—this could include green spaces, pathways, or roadside areas that have built up litter over time.
The atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming. There’s no pressure—just a shared goal to leave the area better than we found it.
Who Should Come?
Short answer: everyone.
Residents who want to keep their neighbourhood clean and welcoming
Families looking for a positive, community-focused activity
Young people who want to make a visible impact locally
Anyone new to the area hoping to meet people and get involved
You don’t need to commit long-term. Even showing up once makes a difference.
The Bigger Picture
Clean-ups like this aren’t just about one day—they’re part of a larger movement to build a stronger, more sustainable community.
Groups like Ongar Tidy Towns often work alongside local initiatives and organisations such as Fingal County Council to improve public spaces, promote recycling, and encourage responsible waste habits.
Every event sends a message:
We care about our area. We take pride in it. And we’re willing to do something about it.
Small Actions, Big Impact
It’s easy to underestimate what one person can do—but when dozens of people come together, the results speak for themselves.
Think about it:
One bag of rubbish removed is one less hazard for wildlife
One clean pathway makes the area more enjoyable for everyone
One visible effort encourages others to think twice before littering
And perhaps most importantly, it creates momentum. People notice when an area is looked after—and they’re more likely to respect it.
A Community Effort Worth Celebrating
If you’ve seen the difference recent clean-ups have made in Ongar, you’ll know this isn’t just talk—it’s real, visible change.
Areas that were once neglected are now cleaner, greener, and more inviting. And that transformation didn’t happen by accident—it happened because people like you showed up.
This next clean-up is an opportunity to build on that progress and take things even further.
How to Get Involved
It couldn’t be simpler:
๐ Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00am
๐ Location: Ongar Basketball Courts
Just turn up on the day, ready to lend a hand. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes—you’ll be moving around a bit, but nothing too strenuous.
If you have questions or want to connect beforehand, you can reach out via email at ongartidytowns@gmail.com.
Final Thoughts
Communities don’t improve by chance—they improve by choice.
Choosing to spend a bit of your Saturday helping out might seem like a small thing, but it contributes to something much bigger. It helps shape the kind of place Ongar is—and the kind of place it will be in the future.
So if you’ve been thinking about getting involved, this is your moment.
Come along. Bring a friend. Bring the kids.
Let’s make this the biggest and best clean-up yet.
See you on the 16th.
A Quiet Transformation
Before and after
A Quiet Transformation: Thank You to the Fingal County Council Crew Who Cleaned Ongar Woods
There’s something powerful about walking through a place you know well and suddenly seeing it differently—not because it changed overnight by magic, but because someone put in the effort when no one was watching.
That’s exactly what happened recently in Ongar Woods.
For a long time, the woods had been struggling. What should have been a peaceful escape—a place for fresh air, dog walks, quiet thinking, and a break from the daily grind—had slowly become weighed down by neglect. Rubbish had built up over time: discarded packaging, bottles, cans, and even larger debris. Shopping trolleys, of all things, had found their way into the woods, left behind like symbols of carelessness. It wasn’t just an eyesore—it changed how the space felt.
There’s a difference between a wild space and a neglected one. Ongar Woods had begun drifting into the latter.
And then, something changed.
The Fingal County Council crew stepped in—and they didn’t just do a quick tidy-up. They showed up and did the kind of work that really matters. The kind of work that takes time, effort, and a willingness to deal with the mess others leave behind.
Now, walking through Ongar Woods feels different again.
You notice it straight away. The paths are clearer. The rubbish that once distracted your eye at every turn is gone. The trolleys—those strange, out-of-place intrusions—have been removed. What’s left is the woods itself: the trees, the open space, the sense of calm that was always there underneath it all, just waiting to be uncovered again.
It’s easy to underestimate what a clean environment does to your mindset. When a place is littered, it sends a subtle message: no one cares. And when people feel that, they’re less likely to care themselves. It becomes a cycle.
But when a place is looked after, it sends the opposite message: this matters.
And that message is powerful.
The work carried out by the Fingal County Council crew didn’t just remove rubbish—it reset the tone of the entire space. It reminded everyone who uses the woods that this is a shared environment worth respecting.
There’s also something worth saying about the kind of work this is. It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t come with big headlines or viral attention. It’s physical, often dirty, and probably thankless far more often than it should be. Clearing out waste, hauling abandoned trolleys, dealing with whatever has been dumped—it’s the sort of job many people would rather not think about, let alone do.
But without it, spaces like Ongar Woods don’t stand a chance.
That’s why this matters.
Because behind every clean park, every maintained walkway, every restored green space, there are people who showed up and did the work. People who chose to improve something rather than ignore it.
And the results speak for themselves.
Now, families can walk through the woods without stepping around rubbish. Dog walkers can enjoy the paths without frustration. Anyone looking for a bit of peace can actually find it again. The space feels safer, more welcoming, and more like what it was always meant to be.
It’s also a reminder—perhaps an uncomfortable one—that the condition of these places doesn’t just depend on councils or crews. It depends on all of us.
Because for every piece of rubbish removed, someone dropped it there in the first place.
That’s not said to take away from the achievement—quite the opposite. It highlights just how much effort was required to undo that damage. And it should make all of us think twice about how we treat shared spaces going forward.
There’s an opportunity here, now that the woods have been restored.
A clean slate, quite literally.
The challenge is to keep it that way. To respect the work that’s been done. To take responsibility, even in small ways—bringing rubbish home, calling out careless behaviour when appropriate, setting a better example.
Because maintaining a space is always harder than cleaning it once.
What the Fingal County Council crew have done is give Ongar Woods another chance. They’ve done the heavy lifting. They’ve reset the standard.
Now it’s up to the community to match that effort.
And let’s be honest—it’s much easier to look after something that already feels cared for.
There’s also something quietly inspiring about this kind of work. It proves that change doesn’t always have to be massive or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and dealing with what’s right in front of you. Bit by bit, piece by piece, until the difference becomes undeniable.
That’s exactly what’s happened here.
Ongar Woods didn’t become perfect overnight—but it became better. And better is what leads to lasting change.
So this blog post is simple, but important.
A genuine thank you.
Thank you to the Fingal County Council crew for stepping in and doing the work that needed to be done. Thank you for restoring a space that so many people use and value. Thank you for improving not just the environment, but the experience of everyone who walks through it.
It hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In fact, it’s the kind of effort that people notice immediately—even if they don’t always say it out loud. The difference is visible. The impact is real.
And it matters.
Ongar Woods feels like itself again.
Cleaner. Calmer. More welcoming.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because people care enough to make it happen.
So here’s to the crew who made that difference—your work speaks louder than any blog post ever could. But it’s still worth saying:
Thank you.
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Easter clean up Saturday 18th April 2026
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Let’s Clean Ongar Before Mother’s Day
“Let’s Clean Ongar Before Mother’s Day!”
๐ฟ Join Us for the Ongar
Tidy Towns Community Clean-Up – Saturday 14th at 11am!
There’s something special about a community that comes
together to care for the place it calls home. In Ongar, we’re lucky to
have residents who genuinely care about our streets, green spaces, and
neighbourhood spirit. That’s exactly what Ongar Tidy Towns is all about.
This Saturday the 14th at 11am, we’re inviting
everyone—families, neighbours, students, and local businesses—to take part in
our next community clean-up event. Whether you’ve joined before or this
will be your very first time, we’d love to see you there.
You don’t need experience, special equipment, or hours of
spare time. All you need is a willingness to help keep Ongar looking its best.
Why Community Clean-Ups Matter
Litter might seem like a small issue at first glance, but it
can quickly have a big impact. When rubbish builds up, it affects:
- Local
wildlife
- The
appearance of our neighbourhood
- Community
pride
- Environmental
health
By participating in community initiatives like those
organised by Ongar Tidy Towns, residents can make a visible and
immediate difference.
Just one hour of teamwork can remove bags of litter, refresh
public spaces, and remind everyone that our community cares about the
environment.
Clean streets also encourage others to keep areas tidy. When
people see a well-maintained neighbourhood, they’re far less likely to litter.
It’s a simple but powerful cycle: care inspires more care.
Everyone Is Welcome
One of the best things about these clean-up days is how
inclusive they are.
You’ll see:
- Parents
and children working together
- Local
residents meeting neighbours for the first time
- Teenagers
earning volunteer hours
- Long-time
community members helping guide the effort
Community clean-ups are also a fantastic way to meet
people in Ongar and strengthen the sense of belonging in the area.
If you’re new to Ongar, this is one of the easiest
and most rewarding ways to get involved locally.
And if you’ve lived here for years, it’s a great opportunity
to give back to the community.
What Happens During the Clean-Up?
Our clean-up events are simple, friendly, and well
organised.
When you arrive on Saturday at 11am, volunteers will:
- Meet
at the designated meeting point
- Receive
gloves, litter pickers, and bags
- Get
assigned small areas to clean
- Work
in teams for about an hour
The atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming. People chat,
laugh, and enjoy the fresh air while helping improve their neighbourhood.
You might be surprised how satisfying it feels to see a
once-littered path transformed into a clean and pleasant space.
Helping the Environment
Community clean-ups don’t just make places look nicer—they
also help protect nature.
Litter can harm birds, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
Plastics and other waste can take years, sometimes decades, to break down.
By removing rubbish from green spaces and footpaths,
volunteers help ensure that parks, hedgerows, and green areas remain safe
for wildlife.
Small local actions can contribute to a larger environmental
impact.
Together, we can help keep Ongar a cleaner, greener
place to live.
A Great Activity for Families
If you're looking for a meaningful activity this weekend,
why not bring the whole family?
Kids love using litter pickers and learning about protecting
the environment. It’s a hands-on way to teach responsibility, community pride,
and respect for shared spaces.
Many parents find that children enjoy the experience far
more than expected.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors instead of
staying inside on screens.
The Power of Community Spirit
One of the most inspiring aspects of Ongar Tidy Towns
events is the sense of community they create.
Neighbours who may never have spoken before suddenly find
themselves working side-by-side for a common goal.
Local pride grows. Conversations start. Friendships form.
Over time, these small moments help build a stronger, more
connected community.
And that’s something truly valuable.
What to Bring
You don’t need much to participate, but here are a few
helpful suggestions:
✔ Comfortable clothing
✔ Weather-appropriate jacket
✔ Good walking shoes
✔ A positive attitude
Most equipment, including gloves and litter pickers, will be
provided.
If you already have your own gloves or grabber, feel free to
bring them along too.
The Impact Adds Up
You might think one clean-up won’t make much difference—but
it absolutely does.
Every bag of litter collected means:
- Less
pollution
- Cleaner
streets
- Safer
green spaces
- A
stronger community
And when many residents each contribute a little time, the
combined impact is huge.
Events like these have helped transform communities across
Ireland, especially through the national TidyTowns Ireland programme.
Join Us This Saturday
So why not join us this weekend?
๐
Date: Saturday
14th
⏰
Time: 11:00 AM
๐
Location: Ongar area clean-up meeting point - Basketball courts
Come along for an hour, meet your neighbours, and help make Ongar
even better.
Every volunteer makes a difference.
Whether you stay for 30 minutes or the full clean-up, your
contribution matters.
Let’s work together to keep Ongar clean, green, and
welcoming for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Request for additional roads safety signage
Safer Roads for Our Children: Ongar Tidy Towns Calls for Road Safety Signage in Ongar and Latchford We sent an email to Fingal e...
















