Welcome to the May edition of the TORC News bulletin. You may notice that the newsletter has gotten a bit of a makeover now that we have moved to ‘Mailchimp’!
A big thank you to all the residents who took the time to complete the Rent Review Feedback survey last month. We had 85 responses which is fantastic. It will certainly inform how we roll out this process again in the future. The results of the survey will be provided to residents in due time. The Shannon Sports Camp survey was also successful and I will be going ahead with this activity for Drom Cuilinn residents in August.
Did you know that this week is National Volunteering Week? Why not visit the fantastic online National Volunteering Database where you can check out the volunteering opportunities near you. Its a great way to learn news skills and get involved in your local community.
Finally, please note that the TORC Facilities Management team are continuing to be called out to damage caused by Air Fryers. It is VITAL that the Air Fryer hot air ventilation openings aren’t blowing hot/warm air into an electric socket or the control panel for heating & Water.
Bethany – Tenant Engagement Officer
Latest News
Annual House Inspections Begin
Each year, TORC carries out an annual inspection on each of our 465 properties to ensure that we provide safe, efficient, durable, comfortable and sustainable homes for our tenants. The 2023 house inspections begin next month in June and all schemes will be completed by October. Some important information to remember:
TORC will give a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice by letter to let you know the date and time-frame of your inspection.
If you are not going to be home or need a specific time for an appointment, please let us know before the day of your inspection.
HSCOs understand your home is where you live, we do not expect to walk into showrooms.
During the inspection your HSCO will take pictures – these are used as a visual record of the condition of the property over the lifecycle of your home. They are also used to assist with logging any repairs.
Where a person is under 18 and is at home alone, we cannot complete an inspection without your previous permission/consent.
Last year in the ‘Resident Satisfaction Survey’, residents said they felt like TORC accessed their home too many times throughout the year for our statutory testing & inspection responsibilities. In response to this, TORC have managed to incorporate the annual fire extinguisher testing into the house inspections in six out of eight schemes this year. This means that residents will be less inconvenienced by access requests.
Successful ‘Bike Doctor’ Event in Clonakilty
We had an amazing day at the ‘Bike Doctor and Cycle Skills’ event in Pairc Thiar last week! There was a fantastic turnout with around 60 residents joining us for a fun-filled afternoon of cycling, bike accessories…and ice cream! It was lovely to see so many smiling faces, eager to get their bikes in top shape for the summer season.
A huge shoutout to the incredible bike mechanics from Cycle Sense who worked tirelessly throughout the event to fix up a huge number of bikes – from seat adjustment, handlebar alignment and new brakes to installing brand new tires – they made sure that everyone was ready to hit the roads and trails.
Thank you to each and every resident who joined us and made this event a memorable one. Keep pedaling and exploring the beauty of your neighborhood on two wheels! #BikeWeek
Planting Project: Clairin, Galway
A planting project for Clairin residents is currently being designed by residents, TEO Bethany and a landscaper from an Radharc Landscaping. The idea is for residents to take over one of the planting beds behind the Multi Use Games Area. A planting day will be organised soon where everyone can join in to plant colorful, biodiverse and bee-friendly plants. Clairin residents should keep an eye out for updates on this project!
Waterford Walls: Mural Project Approval
We are delighted to announce that the proposal to create a community mural in Presentations Gardens has been approved. This idea was initially suggested by residents at a resident meeting last year and TEO Bethany has been working with ‘The Walls Project’ to create a project plan. This project will be kicking off next month and all residents will receive a leaflet outlining the process to design and create the mural. It will be fully designed by residents with an artist painting the final design.
Upcoming Events
1/ Neighbours’ Day Event – Skibbereen
Pairc Goodman residents are invited to celebrate European Neighbour’s Day on Friday the 26th May at 3.30pm by joining their neighbours and choosing an outdoor flowering perennial plant to take home (there will be 8 varieties to choose from). Each plant will have their planting instructions attached. The Ice cream van will be on site providing some free ice creams for residents and there will be a Sunflower planting workshop for children.
2/ First Aid Training & Events Committee Meeting – Roscommon
The venue for the free First Aid Training on Tuesday the 23rd of May at 5.30-7.30pm has changed. The training will now be held at: Vita House (Abbey St, Roscommon Town, F42 N677)
Douglas Drive Events Committee Meeting
Before the First Aid training, there will be a community meeting at 4.45pm – 5.30pm. This will be the first meeting of the ‘Douglas Drive Events Committee’ who will be planning a summer event for the scheme. All residents are welcome to attend the meeting. You do not have to stay for the training afterwards. Meeting details:
Tuesday 23rd May – 4.45pm at Vita house
3/ Sunflower Planting – Waterford
There will be a Sunflower planting workshop for little Presentation Garden residents on Tuesday the 30th May at 3.30pm. There will also be some summer bulbs for all residents to take away and plant in their gardens. Information on the upcoming ‘Waterford Walls’ project will be provided to all residents as well.
4/Community Meetings: Shannon & Clane
There are community meetings happening in Shannon and Clane in the next few weeks. These meetings are primarily to discuss and plan events and initiatives for residents. In particular, residents are encouraged to plan a summer community event for their scheme. TORC will provide the funding. Meetings for Macroom and Clonakilty will be organised early next month.
Drom Cuilinn, Shannon:
Wednesday 31st May, 1pm
Communal area on site
Cluain Ailbhe, Clane:
Wednesday 7th June, 5.30pm
Communal area on site
TORC Top Tip for Tenants
As the annual house inspections are beginning next month, it’s a good time to contact your HSCO to discuss any adaptions that you have made to your property without written consent. The TORC Top Tip for May advises residents of the process of retrospective adaption requests. For more detailed information and tips to complete the form visit the TORC website.
