The national SuperValu TidyTowns competition is an annual contest organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The competition is supported by the title sponsor SuperValu and many other agencies.The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment and prizes awarded to the best under many different categories. The overall winner is “Ireland’s Tidiest Town”. which is announced at a national ceremony in September each year.
The iconic competition was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in over 60 years due to COVID-19 but arrangements have been put in place to ensure the return of the competition this year. While many groups have not been able to deliver on all their plans for their town or village, staging the competition this year is a recognition of the extraordinary contribution volunteers continued to make to their communities despite the difficulties posed by Covid-19.
New categories that have been introduced includes, a category aimed at groups that have continued to serve throughout Covid-19 and a special prize for young people, which was committed to under Our Rural Future
To date over 800 Tidy Towns Groups have now been awarded grants of up to €1,000 under this Fund. Entry Forms will be emailed to all registered groups and can also by emailing tidytowns@drcd.gov.ieThis year’s closing date is Friday 2nd July 2021 with results expected in Q4 of this year.