Bonus Clean up for July

 

Join Ongar Tidy Towns for Our Community Litter Pick and Bonus Clean Up – Sunday 26th July at 10:00 AM

A clean town doesn't happen by chance—it happens because people care. Every piece of litter picked up, every path cleaned, and every flower planted is a reminder that a community working together can make a real difference.

That's exactly what Ongar Tidy Towns is all about.

We're inviting everyone to join us at the Ongar Basketball Courts for another community litter pick, followed by a Bonus Clean Up to tackle some extra areas that need a little attention.

Whether you've joined us before or this will be your very first event, we'd love to see you there.

Every Pair of Hands Makes a Difference

People often think one person can't change much. The truth is, one person picking up one bag of litter inspires another person to do the same.

When twenty, thirty, or even fifty local people come together, the results are incredible. Streets become cleaner, parks become more enjoyable, wildlife is protected, and the whole community benefits.

Even an hour or two of your time can leave a lasting impact.

Why Community Clean-Ups Matter

Litter isn't just unpleasant to look at—it has real environmental consequences.

Plastic waste can remain in the environment for hundreds of years, harming wildlife and polluting waterways. 

Glass can become a safety hazard for children and pets, while discarded cans, food packaging, and cigarette butts spoil green spaces that everyone should be able to enjoy.

By removing litter before it spreads or breaks down, we're helping to protect local biodiversity and making Ongar a healthier, safer place for everyone.

More Than Picking Up Rubbish

Our litter picks are about far more than cleaning streets.

They're about neighbours meeting neighbours.

They're about families spending time together outdoors.

They're about children learning the importance of caring for the environment.

They're about taking pride in where we live.

Every event brings together people from different backgrounds and age groups, all with one simple goal—to make Ongar the best place it can be.

Everyone Is Welcome

You don't need any experience or special equipment to take part.

Whether you're:

Coming on your own

Bringing the kids

Joining with friends

Representing a local group

Looking to volunteer in your community

there's a place for you.

Young volunteers are always welcome when accompanied by an adult, and it's a fantastic way to teach children about environmental responsibility while having fun outdoors.

Our Bonus Clean Up

This month's event includes a Bonus Clean Up, giving volunteers the opportunity to help tackle additional areas that need extra attention.

Once we've completed our main litter pick, we'll move on to locations that have accumulated rubbish over time, ensuring we leave even more of Ongar looking its very best.

It's a chance to go the extra mile—and every extra bag collected makes a visible difference.

Building Community Pride

One of the best things about Ongar Tidy Towns is seeing the pride people take in their local area.

When residents work together, it creates a ripple effect.

Cleaner streets encourage others not to litter.

Visitors notice the difference.

Local businesses benefit from a more attractive environment.

Children grow up seeing adults care about their community.

These are the small actions that help build a stronger, friendlier neighbourhood.

What to Bring

If you're planning to join us, we recommend bringing:

Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather

Sturdy footwear

A water bottle

Sunscreen if it's a warm day

A smile and plenty of enthusiasm

Litter pickers, gloves, and bags will be available for volunteers, although you're welcome to bring your own gloves if you prefer.

Together We Can Make a Difference

Every event reminds us that positive change begins with ordinary people deciding to do something extraordinary for their community.

You don't need to dedicate every weekend.

You don't need to spend hours volunteering.

Just giving a little of your time can have a lasting impact on Ongar and the people who live here.

If you've ever walked through a clean park, enjoyed a litter-free footpath, or admired a tidy green space, you've already benefited from the efforts of volunteers.

Now is your chance to be part of that effort.

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday 26th July

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball Courts

Whether you can stay for the full event or just an hour, every volunteer makes a difference.

Let's work together to keep Ongar clean, welcoming, and something we can all be proud of.

We look forward to seeing you 

Together, we can make Ongar shine. 🌿♻️

July's big clean up

 

🧹 Come Join Us for the Ongar Tidy Towns Litter Pick! 🌿

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.

📅 Date: Saturday 11th July

⏰ Time: 11am

📍 Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball Courts

See you there! 😊

#OngarTidyTowns #CommunitySpirit #KeepOngarClean #TeamOngar #TidyTowns #VolunteerIreland

Come join us 13th June 2026

Grab Your Gloves, Ongar! Let’s Make Our Community Shine on 13th June

There is something incredibly special about the place we call home. Ongar is more than just a dot on a map or a collection of housing estates, shops, and roads. It is a vibrant, living community where children play, neighbours chat over garden fences, and local businesses thrive. It is a place of daily commutes, weekend walks, and shared spaces.

But like any bustling community, our beautiful neighbourhood faces a quiet, persistent challenge: litter.

From a stray plastic bottle rolling down the main street to crisp packets tangled in our hedgerows, litter diminishes the natural beauty of the place we love. It affects our local wildlife, impacts our environment, and, frankly, it just doesn’t represent who we are as a community.

That is why we are calling on everyone—long-time residents, newcomers, families, teenagers, and local business owners—to join forces for the Ultimate Ongar Community Litter Pick!

The Details: When and Where?

Mark your calendars, set your phone reminders, and tell your neighbours. Here is everything you need to know to get involved:

Date: Saturday 13th June

Time: 11:00 am sharp (we expect to wrap up around 12:00 pm)

Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball courts 

Who: Absolutely everyone! Kids, adults, seniors, and well-behaved dogs on leads are all welcome.

Why Should You Join Us?

If you have never taken part in a community clean-up before, you might be wondering, "Why should I spend my Saturday morning picking up other people's rubbish?" It is a fair question, but litter picking is about so much more than just filling rubbish bags. Here is why this event matters:

1. Instant Environmental Impact

Litter doesn’t just look bad; it does real harm. Plastic wrappers and aluminium cans can easily wind up in our local waterways or green spaces, threatening birds, hedgehogs, and other local wildlife. By spending just a couple of hours collecting this waste, you are directly preventing pollution and creating a safer, healthier ecosystem right on our doorstep.

2. Connect with Your Neighbours

In our fast-paced worlds, it can be tough to find the time to actually meet the people who live down the street. A community litter pick is an incredibly social, low-pressure event. You will be walking, chatting, and working alongside fellow Ongar residents who share the same pride in their neighbourhood as you do. It’s an amazing way to make new friends and strengthen our community spirit.

3. A Great Activity for the Kids

Looking for a productive, screen-free activity for the kids on a Saturday morning? This is it! Bringing children to a litter pick is a fantastic, hands-on way to teach them about civic duty, environmental responsibility, and the impact of waste. Kids love the "treasure hunt" aspect of searching for litter, and they get a massive sense of pride seeing a clean street that they helped fix.

4. Boost Your Own Well-Being

There is a proven psychological boost that comes from doing good deeds and spending time outdoors. Getting outside, moving your body, and immediately seeing the tangible, positive results of your hard work is incredibly rewarding. You will walk away at 1:00 pm with a smile on your face and a serious sense of accomplishment.

What to Bring and What We Provide

We want to make this event as easy and accessible as possible for everyone. To ensure safety and efficiency, we have teamed up with local organisers to provide the essential gear.

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:

📅 Date: Saturday 16th May 2026

⏰ Time: 11:00am

📍 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 

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.

Easter clean up Saturday 18th April 2026

 

🌼 Easter Community Clean-Up – Saturday 18th April 2026 🌼

A Fresh Start for Our Community This Spring

🌱 Spring Into Action This Easter

There’s something about Easter that feels like a reset button. The days are brighter, the air feels fresher, and the promise of summer is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues—not just in our homes, but in our community too.

That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for our Easter Community Clean-Up on Saturday, 18th April 2026. It’s more than just picking up litter—it’s about pride, connection, and giving back to the place we all call home.

Whether you’re a regular volunteer or thinking about joining for the first time, this is your chance to make a visible difference in just a couple of hours.

🧤 Why It Matters More Than Ever

We all see it—litter along footpaths, plastic caught in hedges, cans left behind in green spaces. It doesn’t take long for small bits of rubbish to build up and change how an area feels.

But here’s the good news: it also doesn’t take much to turn it around.

When a group of people come together with a shared goal, the transformation can be incredible. Clean streets lead to:

A stronger sense of community pride

Safer, more enjoyable public spaces

Better conditions for wildlife

A positive example for younger generations

And let’s be honest—it just feels good. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference you’ve made with your own hands.

🌼 What to Expect on the Day

Our Easter Clean-Up is designed to be simple, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

📍 Meeting Point & Time

We’ll gather at our usual spot (details shared locally) at 11:00 AM sharp. From there, we’ll split into small groups and cover different areas.

🧹 Equipment Provided

No need to worry if you’re new—we’ll have:

Gloves

Litter pickers

Bags

Just bring yourself, comfortable clothes, and a good attitude.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Can Join?

Everyone is welcome!

Families

Individuals

Friends

First-time volunteers

Kids are especially encouraged to come along—it’s a great way to teach them about caring for the environment in a hands-on way.

🐣 Make It an Easter to Remember

Easter is traditionally about renewal, and what better way to celebrate that than by renewing our surroundings?

Instead of just chocolate eggs (though we’re not saying no to those 🍫), why not add something meaningful to your weekend?

Imagine finishing the clean-up, stepping back, and seeing:

Clear footpaths

Tidy green spaces

A community that looks cared for

That’s something you can’t buy—it’s earned together.

💚 The Power of Community Spirit

One of the most special parts of these clean-ups isn’t just the result—it’s the people.

You’ll meet neighbours you’ve never spoken to before.

You’ll share a laugh while tackling a messy patch.

You’ll feel part of something bigger.

In a world where everything can feel rushed or disconnected, these moments matter. They remind us that community isn’t just a word—it’s something we build, one small action at a time.

🌍 Small Actions, Big Impact

It’s easy to think, “Sure what difference can I make?”

But here’s the truth:

One bag of litter = cleaner streets

Ten volunteers = visible transformation

A regular clean-up = lasting change

And when others see the effort? It encourages them to think twice before littering—or even better, to join in next time.

☀️ Boost Your Mood Naturally

There’s another bonus people don’t always expect: you’ll feel better.

Getting outside, moving around, and doing something purposeful has a real impact on your mood. It’s a great way to:

Clear your head

Reduce stress

Feel productive

Get a bit of fresh air and light exercise

Even if you’ve been feeling a bit low or stuck lately, this kind of activity can give you a genuine lift.

🥾 What to Bring

To make the most of the day, we recommend:

Comfortable clothes (you don’t mind getting a bit dirty)

Sturdy shoes

A bottle of water

A positive mindset

And if the Irish weather does its usual thing—just bring a light rain jacket and carry on 💪

📣 Spread the Word

The more people we have, the bigger the impact.

So tell your:

Friends

Family

Neighbours

Workmates

Share it on WhatsApp, mention it in conversation, or bring someone along with you. Even one extra person makes a difference.

🌟 Let’s Do This Together

This Easter, let’s not just talk about change—let’s make it happen.

Join us on Saturday, 18th April 2026 at 11:00 AM for a clean-up that will leave our community looking better, feeling stronger, and ready for the months ahead.

Because when we come together, even something as simple as picking up litter becomes something powerful.

💬 Final Thought

A clean community doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because people like you decide to care.

So grab a pair of gloves, bring a friend, and let’s make this Easter clean-up one to remember.

See you there. 💪🌼

Let’s Clean Ongar Before Mother’s Day

 

“Let’s Clean Ongar Before Mother’s Day!”

🌿 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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

1. Meet at the designated meeting point
2. Receive gloves, litter pickers, and bags
3. Get assigned small areas to clean
4. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Join Us This Saturday

So why not join us this weekend?

📅 Date: Saturday 14th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 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!

 

Ongar Tidy Towns Celebrates Community Credit Union Support at New Playground

At Ongar Tidy Towns, we are passionate about making our community a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming place to live. Every flower planted, every litter pick organised, and every project completed is driven by one goal – to make Ongar shine. This week, we are absolutely delighted to share some exciting news: Community Credit Union has generously supported Ongar Tidy Towns with a donation that will go directly towards helping us continue our work in the area.

To mark this fantastic partnership, we recently met with the Community Credit Union team for a photoshoot at the new Ongar playground, which is currently under construction. This playground will be an incredible addition to Ongar and Dublin 15 – a vibrant, safe, and fun space where families can spend time outdoors, children can play, and neighbours can connect. Standing together at the playground site felt like the perfect way to celebrate the collaboration between Ongar Tidy Towns and Community Credit Union.

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Building Strong Community Partnerships

Support like this doesn’t just provide funding – it builds confidence, motivation, and momentum for everything we do. The generous donation from Community Credit Union means we can continue to invest in local tidy towns projects, environmental initiatives, and community improvements that make Ongar a better place for everyone.

We often say that tidy towns is more than planting flowers and sweeping paths. It’s about creating pride of place, nurturing connections between neighbours, and building something that will last for future generations. That’s why partnerships are so important. When a community-focused organisation like Community Credit Union steps forward, it sends a clear message: we believe in this place, and we believe in the people who live here.

Community Credit Union has always been at the heart of local life, offering services and support to families and businesses across Dublin 15 and beyond. Their values of community, trust, and support align perfectly with what we do at Ongar Tidy Towns. We’re not just keeping Ongar tidy – we’re helping create a place that people are proud to call home.

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Ongar Playground – A New Chapter for Our Area

The backdrop for our photoshoot with Community Credit Union was the new Ongar playground, which is already bringing excitement to families across the area. Ongar has grown rapidly in recent years, and the addition of a safe, accessible, and modern playground is something we know the community has been looking forward to for a long time.

Playgrounds are more than just swings and slides. They are spaces where children develop skills, families make memories, and neighbours meet. Having this new playground in Ongar will bring people together, encourage outdoor play, and give our tidy towns work even more purpose – because a well-kept, attractive community space is something we can all enjoy.

At Ongar Tidy Towns, we are already planning how we can complement the playground with planting, landscaping, and ongoing care to ensure it looks its best all year round. With support from Community Credit Union, these plans will become a reality sooner, and the results will benefit everyone in our community.

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Why Community Support Matters

One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Ongar Tidy Towns is seeing the power of community spirit in action. Every time a volunteer joins a litter pick, every time a local business donates materials or sponsorship, and every time residents cheer us on, we are reminded that Ongar is full of people who care.

The donation from Community Credit Union is another example of how local organisations can make a big difference. This kind of support allows us to:

• Invest in seasonal planting projects that brighten up Ongar village and surrounding estates.

• Continue organising regular clean-up days to tackle litter and maintain our public spaces.

• Support the development of biodiversity initiatives, such as wildflower planting and pollinator-friendly areas.

• Enhance public spaces like parks, walkways, and community facilities so that they are welcoming and well cared for.

• Raise awareness about the importance of sustainability, recycling, and community pride.

Without partners like Community Credit Union, these projects would be much harder to achieve. Their support reminds us that tidy towns is a collective effort – when residents, businesses, and community organisations come together, we can make Ongar a model of what local pride can accomplish.

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A Heartfelt Thank You

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Community Credit Union for their generosity, encouragement, and belief in Ongar Tidy Towns. Meeting them at the new playground was a wonderful experience, and we are excited about the future possibilities this partnership brings.

We know that many people in Ongar are already members of Community Credit Union and rely on their services. Their ongoing investment back into the community shows that they are not just a financial institution, but a partner in building a stronger, more connected place for us all.

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Looking Ahead

The journey doesn’t stop here. Ongar Tidy Towns has many projects lined up for the coming months, from seasonal planting to clean-up campaigns and biodiversity initiatives. We will also be working closely with Fingal County Council and local groups to ensure the new playground becomes a centrepiece of pride for our area.

With the continued support of organisations like Community Credit Union – and the incredible volunteers and residents who give their time and energy – we know that Ongar will continue to thrive.

We invite everyone in the community to get involved with Ongar Tidy Towns. Whether you can give a few hours to help with a project, join us for a litter pick, or simply spread the word about what we do, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can make Ongar one of the cleanest, greenest, and friendliest areas in Dublin 15.

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Conclusion – Growing Stronger Together

The support we have received from Community Credit Union is about more than money. It’s about building a relationship, sharing values, and working together to create a brighter future for Ongar. Standing together at the site of the new playground reminded us of what tidy towns is all about: community, collaboration, and pride of place.

As Ongar continues to grow and evolve, Ongar Tidy Towns will remain dedicated to ensuring that our community is looked after, loved, and celebrated. With partners like Community Credit Union by our side, the future looks very bright indeed.

✨ Once again, a sincere thank you to Community Credit Union for believing in us and supporting Ongar Tidy Towns. We are proud to call you a partner in making Ongar the very best it can be.

We applied for funding and it's been awarded

We applied for funding and it's been awarded

Ongar Tidy Towns – Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Initiative

Ongar Tidy Towns is launching an enhanced Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Initiative to protect and uplift our village environment. This initiative combines regular community clean-ups, targeted prevention strategies, and public education to address ongoing litter and graffiti issues, while promoting a sense of shared responsibility and civic pride.

We organise monthly litter picks involving volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. These events bring together residents, families, youth groups, and schools in a joint effort to keep Ongar clean. To support and expand these efforts, we plan to purchase a litter dust-cart – a mobile cart that will help us collect and transport rubbish more efficiently. This will allow our teams to cover larger areas during clean-ups while reducing physical strain on volunteers.

Educational outreach is central to our approach. Through collaboration with local schools, we will deliver anti-litter lessons, environmental workshops, and competitions. Students will create posters and awareness messages that will be displayed in public areas and on social media. This youth-led advocacy helps create positive habits and builds a strong foundation for long-term environmental stewardship.

 

Graffiti Management Approach

While Ongar Tidy Towns will not undertake graffiti removal directly due to material restrictions, we will actively support Fingal County Council’s efforts by promptly reporting all incidents. Volunteers will monitor known hotspots during clean-ups and submit detailed reports with photos and locations to aid swift removal. Where appropriate, we will work with local artists and youth groups to propose mural projects that discourage tagging and encourage community pride. We are committed to lasting change through teamwork, education, and practical solutions that make Ongar a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for all.

Car Park Clean-Up at Dunnes Stores – Thank You!

 

Car Park Clean-Up at Dunnes Stores – Thank You!

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the successful clean-up at the Dunnes Stores car park in Ongar, and we’d like to extend a big thank you to the management company responsible for acting so quickly once we raised the issue.

Last week, several concerned residents alerted Ongar Tidy Towns about a growing litter issue around the car park near Dunnes Stores. Overflowing bins, loose packaging, discarded coffee cups, and food wrappers were blowing across the parking spaces, creating an unsightly and potentially hazardous environment for shoppers and visitors.

As a community group committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming Ongar, we reached out directly to the property management team for the retail area. To their credit, they responded within 24 hours. On-site staff arrived promptly with cleaning equipment and removed all the scattered waste. The bins were also emptied and secured to prevent future overflow.

This is a great example of how communication and collaboration between community volunteers and local stakeholders can bring about positive, visible change. The clean-up not only restored a cleaner look to a central shopping hub but also reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in keeping Ongar tidy.

We encourage residents to continue reporting litter issues. Whether it’s near retail outlets, in public parks, or on residential streets, the quicker we act, the easier it is to prevent rubbish from piling up or blowing into nearby green spaces.

Let’s all keep in mind:

• Use bins provided, and if they’re full, take your rubbish home.

• Don’t leave bags or boxes beside bins—they attract pests and wildlife.

• If you see consistent issues, don’t hesitate to report them to Ongar Tidy Towns or directly to Fingal County Council or management companies.

We’re stronger when we work together. Thank you again to the management team at Dunnes Stores, the residents who raised the alarm, and all those who regularly take the time to pick up a stray wrapper or two.

We’ll continue to keep lines of communication open with local businesses to ensure Ongar remains a safe, clean, and attractive place to shop, walk, and enjoy.

#CleanCarPark #OngarRetailCare #ThankYouDunnes #CommunityCleanUp #OngarTidyTowns #LitterFreeOngar #Dublin15 #TidyTogether