Is your town Ireland's tidiest? Tidy Towns competition returns for 65th year

The 65th all-Ireland Tidy Towns competition has been launched. 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (March 23) launched the 2023 contest  in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen. 

The competition has been a pivotal initiative since 1958 in bringing communities together and addressing some of the environmental challenges of modern society. 

The official launch took place in Trim in County Meath, which was crowned the tidiest town in Ireland in last year's contest. 

Speaking in Trim, Minister Humphreys said, "It gives me great pleasure to be here along the banks of the River Boyne in Trim, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2022, as we launch the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This year we celebrate 65 years of this fantastic competition, which has become part of the fabric of Irish society.

"The saying ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’, which means unity is our strength, really sums up what SuperValu TidyTowns is all about.

"Once again the focus this year will be on bringing communities and TidyTowns volunteers of all ages together as we effect real change and make our towns and villages better places to live, work, visit and raise a family." 

Minister Humphreys continued: "Being part of your local TidyTowns group is a great way to get involved in community life. 

"My Department, through the national rural development policy ‘Our Rural Future’, supports vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. 

"I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be amazed at the benefits to you and your wider community." 

She also went on thank partner and sponsor, SuperValu, for "their continuing support and enthusiasm" 

She said, "This is SuperValu’s 32nd year of sponsorship of the TidyTowns Competition and they are championing awareness of the competition especially in areas of biodiversity and sustainable living." 

Also speaking at the launch, Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, said, "It gives me great pride to launch SuperValu TidyTowns together with the Department of Rural and Community Development. 

"What makes SuperValu TidyTowns special is that it truly shows the power of community and how collective small actions can make a big difference toward ensuring our communities are more sustainable places to live, work and play for generations to come." 

According to Allen, 29,648 volunteers across 924 committees give over three million hours of their time to the Tidy Towns every year, which he called "a phenomenal effort". 

He said, "We have been heartened by the increased focus on biodiversity and sustainability projects in recent years, as well as the blended energy of youth and gold dust skills of experienced members which makes up the hundreds of TidyTowns committees across the country. 

"We are thrilled that SuperValu has been chosen to continue our sponsorship of the TidyTowns competition for the next five years and are very grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for this exciting opportunity. We are excited to work with colleagues, friends and neighbours around the country to make our communities a better place.

"We strongly encourage people to contact their local SuperValu TidyTowns committee to join the collective efforts being made to build more sustainable communities for all." 

The number of entries is steadily increasing as many new groups enter the competition for the first time and others return with new enthusiasm. 

The Special Awards also continue to bring an added dimension to the completion and again this year there is an impressive array of special awards with some fantastic prizes. 

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday May 10, 2023. 

Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie and will be emailed to all registered groups. 

Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie address.

Full details of the competition are available by clicking here.