Saturday's 'Operation Ballyshannon 2023 ' hailed a huge success

Volunteers were out in force yesterday to help multi award winning Ballyshannon Regeneration Group (BRG) take part in their now yearly Operation Ballyshannon clean up operation, the biggest in the Erne Town each year.

The big spring clean aims to blitz many areas of the historic town.

Yesterday, between 10am and 4pm, they began their way picking, planting, painting, sweeping, sawing or scraping, all co-ordinated by the BRG who have been instrumental in many aspect of the town's shape, development and successes over recent years.

Paul McGuinness and John Sweeny have a chat ahead of the Spring Clean 2023. Photo Philip Mulligan

The gathering point was the Ballyshannon Library, where registration took place, then getting the Hi-Viz, gloves before  joining a team which was assigned an area.

Time to register at the Big Spring Clean on Saturday. Pics: Philip Mulligan

Well-deserved refreshments at 1pm back at the library were welcomed by all, and some of the volunteers headed out again for the afternoon shift.

Discussing a plan of action for the Big Spring Clean 'Operation Ballyshannon'

This year, BRG also encouraged businesses and residents to tidy outside their own property, "and we would love to see various residents' groups looking after their areas on the day as part of Operation Ballyshannon".

Summing up the day, Barry Sweeny explained:

"Well, the weather played its part and the volunteers showed up in force on Saturday’s “Operation Ballyshannon”.

"35 people, young and not so young, grouped in teams and targeted many areas of the town which were in need of a good old Spring Clean. Most central streets of the town were swept, litter picked, weeds removed. Paths were cleared, Flower boxes tended to, and a big job was undertaken on he “Rock Steps” area where there was a lot of deep cleaning and painting of the walls.  

"Most volunteers began at 10am, some joined in during the day for as long as they could contribute and some were still going at 9pm, some 11 hours later!

"There was a lot of ground covered throughout the town and in popular walking areas, some residential areas, the Abbey Bay, the “ForAll Garden” in the Fair Green and out the Finner road. It really makes a big difference to an area and for the people living here. Great credit to those who helped tidy up and instil some pride of place in our community.  
"The well-deserved lunchtime break in the library building was supported by local businesses, Shannon’s Corner and Luv’s Café. Thanks to them, and to Colin for all the assistance on site. Also to the businesses who offered a few coffees and ice creams to the workers along the way. 

Getting ready for the Operation Ballyshannon - The Big Spring Clean 2023 on Saturday.

Photos Philip Mulligan.

"The Ballyshannon Regeneration Group were very pleased with how the event went and would like to thank all involved including An Taisce and Donegal County Council who supply most of the equipment needed and with the collection afterwards.  
The Regeneration Group will continue these efforts every Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm and all helpers are welcome to meet by the Credit Union. Also, join us on our Facebook group page to keep up to date," he said.