Hope Square
Presentation College, Tuam, Co. Galway
YSI Step-Up Challenge
2011
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This was a continuation of the project ‘Bloom and Broom for Tuam’ 2009/2010 project, through which students greatly improved the appearance of Bishop Street in the town of Tuam. This year’s team wanted to expand the project further and continue improvements to their town.
The team believes there is a strong connection between the physical appearance of a town and its commercial viability.
Five hundred people were surveyed in the town and, based on the findings; they put a plan in place to improve the town’s appearance. A public meeting was organised and local County Councilors were invited.
A neglected square was transformed into an enclosed space of beauty and character as the team aimed to create a strong sense of pride of place.
Improvements included creating a sculpture and a history wall, planting trees and planting tubs, creating paintings and graphics. These were financed by the YSI Den 2010, Tuam Town Council and NAPD (National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals). Other partners included Galway County Council, Tuam County Engineer, Galway Planning Officer, a Garden Centre, Coffey Construction and Mayor Flanagan.
The community has been empowered to become the architects of their own town and their physical environment.
YSI Den Summary
What the team pitched for:
The students sought funding to create a history wall in the square to create a strong sense of pride of place for its residents.
YSI Den Grant
The team was awarded €700 towards creating the history wall in their town square.
YSI Award Winner
YSI Challenge Title Holder
What the YSI judges said...
The judges believed “This project maintained its commitment to its town and team, showed determination to follow through on developing the project and is making a real difference in the community.”