The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, has today (March 23rd, 2024) launched the 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.

In place since 1958, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu, has grown beyond a competition into a national sustainability movement. Its success benefits towns, villages and communities all over Ireland in real and meaningful ways, making them more attractive and sustainable places for everyone.

Speaking at the launch of the competition in Abbeyleix, Minister Humphreys said, “I was delighted to visit Abbeyleix, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023 as we launch the 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.”

“This year we celebrate 66 years of this fantastic competition, which has become synonymous with community spirit right across Ireland.” More than 30,000 volunteers across 1,000 active TidyTowns groups work tirelessly, day and night, to make their local communities better and more sustainable places to live, work and visit.”

Minister Humphreys continued, “TidyTowns is all about people, places and possibilities. Everywhere is unique and the competition provides a platform to share what is best about communities across Ireland. This year I want to really encourage people to get involved, especially young people. Being part of your local TidyTowns group is a great way to transform your town into a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable place for everyone. I also want to thank our partner and sponsor, SuperValu for their continuing support and passion for sustainability. Over their 32nd years of sponsorship, SuperValu has done enormous good in towns across Ireland, particularly in areas of biodiversity and sustainable living.”

Also speaking at the launch today, Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu, said, “SuperValu Tidy Towns has become an integral part of community life in towns and villages across Ireland. It is a powerful, uniting force, which shows what can be achieved when communities work together towards the common goal of improving their local areas to make them better, more sustainable places to live, work and play.”

He continued, “I have been particularly delighted to witness in recent years how the initiative has evolved to increase its focus on sustainable climate action and biodiversity projects mobilising thousands of people to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities. I am also deeply heartened by the mix of young and experienced volunteers ensuring that SuperValu Tidy Towns goes from strength to strength and continues to innovate each year.”

The Competition contains an impressive array of Special Awards such as the All Ireland Pollinator Plan Award, the Young Persons in TidyTowns Award, the Heritage Award and the Leave No Trace Award among others, which bring an added dimension to the completion and of course offer some fantastic prizes for winning towns.

Following on from last year’s inaugural Town Centre First Award, the category is continuing this year as an official Supervalu TidyTowns Special Award, to recognise exemplary efforts made by towns in driving forward town centre revitalisation in line with Town Centre First policy.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday 8 May 2024. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie address. Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie and will be emailed to all registered groups.

Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie

(Source: Gov.ie)