Adjudicators are being recruited for the SuperValu TidyTowns

Applications are invited for the position of Trainee Adjudicator on the National Adjudicators Panel for the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.

Suitable applicants should demonstrate expertise or experience under at least one of the following headings:

  • Community Involvement
  • Streetscape & Public Places
  • Green Spaces & Landscaping
  • Biodiversity
  • Sustainability and Climate Action
  • Built Environment
  • Town Centre Regeneration

Applicants should have excellent report writing skills, IT skills (that is, Microsoft Word) and be available for travel within Ireland.

Positions are available for applicants proficient in both English and Irish. A panel of successful applicants may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

It should be noted that these positions are part-time and training will be provided.

Please send a cover letter and CV to tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie by 28 January 2024. The selection will be by short-listing and/or competitive interview in February 2024.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the TidyTowns team, Rural Regeneration Unit, Department of Rural and Community Development:

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Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces Trim Co. Meath as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2022

  • €1.4 million announced in grant aid for over 930 SuperValu TidyTowns groups nationwide
  • Rosscarbery in Co Cork named Ireland’s Tidiest Village; Cahir in Co  Tipperary wins Young Person’s Award
  • Minister Humphreys hails third highest number of entries ever as full awards ceremony returns to RDS
  • Minister also confirms new sponsorship deal with SuperValu until 2027

 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (28th October) announced Trim, Co. Meath as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2022.

Over 750 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at the RDS in Dublin – with thousands more watching online.

It was the first full-scale Awards Ceremony since the onset of the Pandemic.

This year’s competition received the third highest number of entries in its almost 65-year history.

Rosscarbery, Co Cork was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

And Cahir, Co. Tipperary was named as the overall winner of the Young Persons in TidyTowns Award and also the overall winner of the SuperValu AsIAm Inclusive Communities Award.

Announcing Trim as the overall winners, Minister Humphreys said:

“I want to sincerely congratulate Trim and all of its TidyTowns volunteers for being crowned Ireland’s tidiest town for 2022.

“This is a moment of great pride for Trim and indeed the wider county of Meath. Having first entered the competition in 1959, Trim today continues to showcase all that is good about community and volunteerism.

“I have no doubt that the TidyTowns Group in Trim will receive a warm and deserving homecoming as they celebrate this wonderful occasion.

“The level of competition was extremely high this year with the third highest number of entries ever recorded. 

“I want to pay tribute to all the winners today but, above all, I want to say a huge thank you to the thousands of TidyTowns volunteers across the country.

“The time and effort that you put in to making your town or village a better place says so much about your commitment and dedication to your community.

“Your hard work and enthusiasm is nothing short of inspiring.”

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been in existence since 1958 and Trim (Baile Átha Troim, Co Mí) was judged to be the best from a number of 882 entries to the competition this year.

On hand to announce the results of the 2022 competition with Minister Humphreys was Mr. Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor for over 30 years.

Some of the other big winners on the day included:

  • Rosscarbery, Co. Cork (Ros Ó gCairbe, Co Corcaigh) awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Village.
  • Clonakilty, Co Cork (Cloch Na Coillte, Co Corcaigh) awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.
  • Trim, Co Meath (Baile Átha Troim, Co Mí) awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.
  • Ennis, Co Clare (Inis, Co Clár) awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

 

The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor, adding:

“Today, I want to congratulate SuperValu who have been loyal supporters and sponsors of the competition for over 30 years.

“SuperValu continues to support the competition through their sponsorship and through their supportive network of local retailers who are embedded in these areas and share the ethos of the competition by empowering and supporting sustainable communities.

“Following a competitive process to secure a funding partner for the competition, it gives me great pleasure to announce today that negotiations have commenced with SuperValu as the preferred bidder to partner with the Department of Rural and Community Development to administer the competition out to 2027.

“I also want to pay tribute to the team in my Department who have worked tirelessly to ensure this year’s competition was a success.”

Mr. Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu commented after the awards:

“On behalf of SuperValu, I would like to congratulate Trim for being named Ireland’s tidiest town for 2022, fifty years since the town first won the competition in 1972. It’s a wonderful achievement and a testament to the hard-work and commitment of the committee and team of volunteers involved. It’s also important to acknowledge the extraordinary achievement and efforts of the category winners. This year marked another milestone year for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, with a record 1,000 groups engaging in the competition, and an incredible 882 entries. Congratulations to all the incredible committee members, who, in collaboration with our network of independent retailers, share our desire to build thriving, sustainable communities.” 

Mr. Allen went on to say,

“We are delighted that SuperValu will be continuing our sponsorship of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition for the next five years and are very grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for the opportunity in this regard. Over the last three decades, our respective teams and local independent retailers have worked hand in hand to develop and grow SuperValu TidyTowns to what it is today; a uniting force, gathering people from all parts of the community to work together to make our towns and villages great places to live, work and visit. We are proud that the competition has gone from strength to strength over the past 30 years of partnership, with an increased focus amongst entries for 2022 on innovative sustainability, biodiversity and conservation projects that will enhance our communities for years to come.”

Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of €1.4 million in funding to support the work of individual TidyTowns Groups around the country to assist them in their continued efforts to enhance their towns and villages. This is the sixth consecutive year that funding has been provided to support these Groups and brings the total allocated since 2017 to €8.1 million.

The Minister said:

“The creation of a sense of place that our groups achieve through their efforts makes our towns and villages the wonderful places they are to live in, to work in and indeed to visit.

“The initiatives taken by volunteers in areas of Climate Action, Sustainability and Inclusivity are most encouraging and as such I am very pleased to be able to announce this funding today to support them in bringing about even greater change into the future.

“In total, 935 TidyTowns groups across the country will be eligible to benefit from this investment.”

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have sponsored the competition since 1991.

 

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-173 4633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

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TidyTowns Awards ceremonies – National and Regional

Each year, the main winners of the National SuperValu TidyTowns competition and the Special Awards are announced at the annual SuperValu TidyTowns Awards ceremony.

The National, Regional and County award winners are announced as well as the Special Awards. Due to time constraints, only the top awards are presented on stage. The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Managing Director of SuperValu, our main sponsor, make the presentations.

Representation of award-winning TidyTowns committees are invited to attend the awards ceremony.  In addition, sponsors, representatives from each Local Authority and the TidyTowns adjudicators are invited. It is a great social occasion and an opportunity to meet with other committees from across the country.

The RTÉ Nationwide team record the event and a special programme is broadcast that evening. The Regional Award ceremonies are held some weeks after the national awards ceremony and allow groups to meet more locally to celebrate their achievements. These ceremonies include the Endeavour Award winners. The ceremonies also allow for the presentation of all the prizes, medals and certificates announced at the National ceremony.

In most cases, a government Minister and the sponsors attend to make the presentations. Photographers capture the presentations and the photos are circulated to all the local newspapers. Fáilte Ireland have traditionally assisted with the hosting of these awards in conjunction with the TidyTowns Unit of the Department.

On average there are over 300 prizes given out each year, with approximately €230,000 of the total prize fund of €300,000 awarded under the main competition. The rest is awarded in special prizes outside the main competition.

All main prizes are based on the scores achieved by entrants in the competition as follows –

Endeavour Awards for the biggest improvement by an entrant in each county from the previous year.

County Awards for the top three entrants in each county.

Regional Awards for the top-scoring entrant in each region.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for entrants with scores that fall within a set range from that year’s winning score.

Category Awards for the highest scoring entrants in the Village, Small Town, Large Town and Large Urban Centre categories.

Ireland’s Tidiest Town Award for the highest scoring entrant in the whole competition.

There are also separate awards sections for Island entrants and Gaeltacht entrants.

 

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Applications are invited for the position of Trainee Adjudicator on the National Adjudicators Panel for the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition

Administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development

SuperValu TidyTowns -Trainee Adjudicators

Applications are invited for the position of Trainee Adjudicator on the National Adjudicators Panel for the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.

Suitable applicants should demonstrate expertise or experience under at least one of the following headings:

  • Community Involvement
  • Streetscape & Public Places
  • Green Spaces & Landscaping
  • Biodiversity
  • Sustainability
  • Built Environment

Applicants should have excellent report writing skills, IT skills i.e. WORD and be available for travel within Ireland.

Positions are available for applicants proficient in both English and Irish.
A panel of successful applicants may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

It should be noted that these positions are part-time and training will be provided.

Please send a cover letter and CV to tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie by 31st January 2022. The selection will be by short-listing and/or competitive interview.

Further information can be obtained by contacting: The TidyTowns Unit,
Department of Rural & Community Development. Phone number 01-7736912 or e-mail tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie.

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Minister Humphreys announces Ennis Co. Clare as winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2021.

  • €1.5 Million announced in grant aid for over 1,000 TidyTowns groups nationwide.
  • Glaslough TidyTowns, Co. Monaghan named as the inaugural winner of the Young Persons in TidyTowns Award.
  • Minister Humphreys praises role played by TidyTowns volunteers during unprecedented period

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (12th November) announced Ennis, Co. Clare as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2021.

The announcement was made at a scaled-back event held in the RDS today with a small number of representatives present from this year’s entries to the Competition.

The event was streamed live to thousands of TidyTowns volunteers around the country who were eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners.

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been in existence since 1958 and Ennis, was judged to be the best from a number of 847 entries to the competition this year.

The announcement was greeted with much celebration and excitement at today’s awards ceremony at The RDS in Dublin.

On hand to announce the results of the 2021 competition with Minister Humphreys, T.D., was Mr. Ray Kelly, Marketing Director of SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor for the 30th year.

Some of the other big winners on the day included:

  • Geashill, Co. Offaly awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Village.
  • Abbeyleix, Co. Laois awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.
  • Cobh, Cork South awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.
  • Ennis, Co. Clare awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

 

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Minister Humphreys said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Ennis who are very deserving winners.  Ennis first entered the SuperValu TidyTowns competition in 1959 and continue to showcase all that is good about community and volunteerism. They have been consistently achieving high standards in the competition at local, regional, national and European level and won the competition previously in 2005. Given the tremendous interest in the competition and the increasing efforts made by all entrants, it is a wonderful achievement to take the national title for a second time; this really demonstrates that resilience and determination do reap rewards.

“I want to congratulate Ennis and all of the other deserving prize-winners announced today.  It has not been easy for TidyTowns groups during what has been an unprecedented period.

“Like all sections of society, the pandemic has prohibited us from participating in the things we enjoy within our own communities.

“I want to commend the hundreds of groups and thousands of volunteers who, in the face of adversity, put their community first and continued to make their areas better places to live and work and to visit, all the while, adhering to social distancing and public health guidelines.

“For that, on my own behalf and that of the Government, I want to say Thank You.”

Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of €1.5 million in funding to support the work of individual TidyTowns Committees around the country to assist them in their continued efforts to enhance their towns and villages.

This is the fifth consecutive year that funding has been provided to support these Committees and brings the total allocated since 2017 to €6.7 Million.

The Minister said:

“The sense of belonging and pride of place that is achieved by being part of a TidyTowns group creates a wonderful welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.

“Given the challenges faced by TidyTowns groups during the pandemic and the way in which they moved to an online entry process, I am delighted to be able to announce that I have secured funding of €1.5 million to directly support the TidyTowns committees who, through their efforts, bring out the best in their towns and villages.

“In total, 1,022 TidyTowns groups across the country will be eligible to benefit from this investment.”

The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor, adding:

“Today, I want to congratulate SuperValu who celebrate their 30th anniversary of partnership with TidyTowns and sponsorship of the competition. The competition continues to attract new entrants and new awards and it is getting stronger every year.

SuperValu continue to show fantastic support for the competition through their financial sponsorship, their commitment to improving and growing the competition and through the dedicated support at a local level provided to TidyTowns groups by their network of local retailers.”

 

Mr. Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu commented after the awards:

“On behalf of SuperValu I would like to congratulate Ennis for being named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2021. It is a fantastic achievement and is the result of incredible work and dedication by the committee.

The outstanding efforts and achievements of the category winners, and indeed all of our committees across the country deserves significant praise and recognition. 2021 was another landmark year for SuperValu TidyTowns. We now have a record 1,022 groups engaging in the competition, with a record 847 entries this year. I’d particularly like to mention the new committees and encourage their participation into the future. The level and quality of the projects that you all delivered across all categories is astounding.

At its heart, the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is the public expression of the work countless individuals undertake to build community spirit and make their local area a better place in which to live and work. The incredible committee members, in collaboration with our network of independent retailers, share our desire to build thriving, sustainable communities.

Mr. Allen went on to say,

“As long-term supporters of TidyTowns, we at SuperValu have seen first-hand the competition grow and evolve over time. This year, perhaps more than ever, we have seen an increasing number of wonderful initiatives that focus on biodiversity, conservation and other important issues that are critical to creating sustainable communities. This is something I welcome and encourage.”

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have sponsored the competition since 1991.

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2021 TidyTowns Photography Competition

We are looking for all you photographers out here, perhaps you are a dab hand at the photography or maybe you like to take the odd picture on your smart-phone.

We are opening up the 2021 TidyTowns Photography Competition and are looking for you to submit photographs to us, which capture the ethos of TidyTowns or perhaps a project that your group have brought to fruition.

This year again we will have a special category for our junior entrants up to 18 years of age, this category will attract a 1st prize of €150 and a 2nd prize of €75.

The main competition will have a

  • 1st prize of €250
  • 2nd prize of €150
  • 3rd prize of €75.
  • Total prize fund €700.

 

  • Photographs should be emailed to tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie stating which TidyTowns group you are from or if you are entering the junior element.
  • Photographs should not contain close up images of other people unless you have received their permission to take and submit the photograph to this competition.
  • The TidyTowns Unit will judge all entries and prizes will be awarded as above.
  • The TidyTowns Unit may use photographs submitted for social media or publications going forward.
  • The closing date for entries is Friday 29th October 2021.
  • Results will be announced on Social Media and in the December Newsletter.

 

Best of Luck everyone.

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Photography Competition Winners

TIDYTOWNS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2020

Clarecastle TidyTowns – Winner

The Judges unanimously selected the entry from Clarecastle TidyTowns, Co. Clare as the national winner of the 2020 TidyTowns Photography Competition. The picture was taken by Christy Leyden, a member of Clarecastle TidyTowns.

The caption of the photo is as displayed on the mural – “Never underestimate the power of a planted seed”, this picture portrays the spirit of TidyTowns groups, in building community pride and displaying the various talents that are in communities.

Mullaghmore TidyTowns – Runner Up

The photograph taken in October 2020 during clean-up of their local beach, Mullaghmore Beach, Co Sligo. Submitted by Mullaghmore Active Community Group. (which incorporates the local TidyTowns group)

TIDYTOWNS JUNIOR PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2020

Baileborough TidyTowns Transition Year Students – Winner

The Transition Year students from Baileborough Community School, Co. Cavan submitted the winning entry in the Junior Competition. In the picture are Nikolay Hlyavyn, Mark Monaghan, Ryan Smith, Thomas Cahill, Aran O’Hanlon, Tadhg Barry and their teacher Mr. Donohoe. The boys were on their weekly litter pick up around the lake in Bailieborough on a misty morning. The TY Community Group carry out litter picking every Thursday with their teacher, Mr. Donohoe, around the lake and the local walkway. Cavan County Council provided litter pickers and hi-vis vests. Many students regularly volunteer in their own communities.

Fhionn – Runner Up

This picture was submitted by Fhionn Connolly, aged 13, is of his sister and dog Tynan. Fhionn tells us that “He thinks it shows how nice our countryside is and how clean our local amenity for locals to enjoy. Glaslough and Emyvale TidyTowns are in this area and it shows how the locals appreciate the lovely scenery and how well it’s kept”

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Limerick European Green Leaf

The TidyTowns Unit were recently invited by Limerick City and County Council to participate in a series of webinars they were hosting to assist TidyTowns groups in preparing for the 2021 competition, the webinar presented by John Carney from the TidyTowns Unit is titled “SuperValu TidyTowns Competition 2021 Entry Process”.  Thank you to Limerick City and County Council and in particular, their Environmental Awareness Officer, Sinead Mc Donnell who have kindly shared a recording of the entire webinar with us together with the entire questions and answers section.

Watch Webinar

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Calling all our budding Photographers

We are looking for all you photographers out here, perhaps you are a dab hand at the photography or maybe you like to take the odd picture on your smart-phone.

Well which ever it is, The TidyTowns Unit wants to hear from you.

We are opening up a TidyTowns Photography Competition and are looking for you to submit photographs to us, which capture the ethos of TidyTowns or perhaps a project that your group have brought to fruition.

We have some cash prizes to give away to the lucky winners. Details on how to enter etc. are as follows;

  • Photographs should be emailed to tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie stating which TidyTowns group you are from or if you are entering the junior element.
  • Photographs should not contain close up images of other people unless you have received their permission to take and submit the photograph to this competition.
  • The TidyTowns Unit will judge all entries and prizes will be awarded as follows;
  • For TidyTowns groups or individual entries a first prize of €150 and second prize of €75 will be made to the TidyTowns group associated with the entry. There will also be a first prize of €75 and second prize of €50 for junior entries from the 12-18 years old age group. The prizes for the junior entries will be paid to the individual themselves.
  • The TidyTowns Unit may use photographs submitted for social media or publications going forward.
  • The closing date for entries is Friday November 20th.
  • Results will be announced on Social Media and in the December Newsletter.

Good luck everyone.

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COVID-19

In line with instructions issued by the Government of Ireland around the delay phase of the Coronavirus, it has been decided to defer the launch of the 2020 SuperValu TidyTowns competition which was originally scheduled for March 26th. We would encourage all TidyTowns groups to be vigilant and to adhere to guidelines and advice issued by the HSE and in particular around social distancing.

We will keep groups updated on developments following March 29th. We want to thank all groups and volunteers for their dedication and commitment and ask for your cooperation and understating as we work our way through these challenging times.

For Further Information the following resources may be of assistance.

The HSE website is the main source of information: It has the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus, and it is updated daily.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC Website) has a helpful ‘Frequently Asked Question’ (FAQ) section, and it is also updated daily.

The current HSE advise is that practicing good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself from the Coronavirus:
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub if hand washing facilities are not available
If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the used tissue away into a closed bin, and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your flexed (bent) elbow.

The HSE has also produced a short video on hand hygiene and the Coronavirus.

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Tidy Towns 2019 Update

2019 has been another great year for TidyTowns with a record number of over 900 entries to the competition. The event represents everything that is great about community spirit in Ireland.  The Department of Rural and Community Development, together with our partners, are proud to play our part.

Unfortunately, a very small number of entries to the competition this year were not received by the Department and were not part of the adjudication process. The TidyTowns team has been in contact with the groups concerned and has arranged for these towns to be adjudicated in the coming weeks. This will ensure that the towns concerned are not disadvantaged vis a vis other entries.  The official Results Booklet for the 2019 competition will be updated and any awards that may be due arising out of these adjudications will be presented at the regional awards events later in the year.

While the issues which arose appear to be limited to those groups already identified, we would invite any organisation that has any concerns regarding the transmission of their 2019 entry to contact the TidyTowns team by any of the means listed below.

The Department is continuing to review its processes to ensure that it can deliver the highest quality service to TidyTowns Committees around the country.  If you have any suggestions on how we can improve our processes, we would be delighted to hear from you.

You can get in touch with us at any of the contact points below.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the regional award events in the coming months and to working with each of you again in 2020.

 

The TidyTowns Team

Department of Rural & Community Development

Contact details

Phone:                         076 100 6938

Email:                          TidyTowns@drcd.gov.ie

Postal Address:       TidyTowns, Government Offices, Ballina, Co Mayo F26 E8N6

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GLASLOUGH IS IRELAND’S TIDIEST TOWN FOR 2019

Minister Ring allocates €1.4 million to support work of Tidy Towns groups

A record 918 communities entered competition this year

Glaslough, Co. Monaghan was today (30th September) named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2019.  The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is now entering its seventh decade and Glaslough was judged to be the best from a record number of 918 entries to the competition this year.  The announcement was greeted with great celebration and excitement at today’s awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin.

On hand to present the prizes were Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development and Mr. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor for the 28th year.  The Helix was packed with representatives of TidyTowns groups from all over the country, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners.

Glaslough, Co. Monaghan also claimed the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Village.  Other winners included Blackrock, Co. Louth receiving the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.  Westport, Co. Mayo received the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, while Ennis, Co Clare. was declared as Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Minister Ring said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Glaslough who are very deserving winners.  Glaslough, who first entered the SuperValu TidyTowns competition in 1966, have great passion and pride in their community. They have been consistently achieving high standards in the competition at local, regional and European level. Today, all that commitment and dedication has paid off with the top prize being awarded to them. This is the second time that Glaslough has been awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Town, which is a remarkable achievement and shows that the commitment and enthusiasm of the TidyTowns committees continues to remain strong.

I want to congratulate Glaslough and all of the other deserving prize-winners announced today.  The work of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort results in the attractive and welcoming towns and villages we see all over the country, and from which we all benefit.  It is this passion and pride that has made our towns and villages not only attractive and welcoming for visitors, but have created a ‘sense of place’ for those who live, work and raise families there.  That is why this competition has continued to flourish for more than 60 years.

Minister Ring also announced a special allocation of €1.4 million to support the work of individual TidyTowns Committees around the country to assist them in their continued efforts to enhance their towns and villages. This is the third year in a row that Minister Ring has allocated this funding to support the work of the TidyTowns Committees.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that I am making available €1.4 million in order to directly support the TidyTowns committees who work so tirelessly to bring out the best in their towns and villages. All of the towns and villages involved in the competition across the country should benefit from this investment. Wherever you have active Tidy Towns committees, it gives the town a real sense of pride and engagement, and creates a great atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.”

The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor. He said: “I want to pay tribute to SuperValu, who are now in their 28th year as sponsor and who continue to work with us to grow the competition. It is getting stronger every year with increased participation, an increased number of awards and a notable increase in the efforts of the communities involved.

SuperValu have shown fantastic support for the competition, not only through their financial sponsorship but also through the support provided to local TidyTowns groups by their network of local retailers.”

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu said:

“I would like to congratulate Glaslough for being named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2019. It is really a remarkable achievement and is testament to the commitment, dedication and passion of the Glaslough SuperValu TidyTowns committee.

“I would also like to congratulate the category winners who all made an outstanding effort to make their communities better places to live and work in. The immense pride in where you’re from shines through every part of what you have achieved to reach these high standards.

“Since SuperValu started sponsoring TidyTowns almost 30 years ago, the competition has steadily grown from its initial focus on making our villages and towns neat and tidy, to the present day, where it is now the greatest sustainability initiative in Ireland.

“2019 was another landmark year for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. The competition tagline, ‘Caring for our Environment’, underlines our shared commitment to having a positive impact on our surroundings. This year it has inspired thousands of passionate volunteers and a record number of 918 TidyTowns committees to deliver a range of extraordinary projects across the country.

“SuperValu shares this desire to build sustainable communities and the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is one of the best ways for us to achieve this. We are delighted to have been involved in the competition for the past 28 years and we look forward to SuperValu TidyTowns reaching 1,000 committees.”

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have supported the competition since 1992.

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