Minister visits Laois to launch this year's Tidy Towns competition

This year's Tidy Towns competition was launched in Abbeyleix on Saturday by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

Abbeyleix was crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2023 and the Minister along with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Ian Allen visited the town to get this year's competition officially underway. 

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

“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.

“Last year, we were delighted to receive over 880 entries to the competition, and we hope this year even more towns will get involved and showcase their superb efforts.”

Minister Humphreys continued: “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.

https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/your-community/1440573/national-tidy-towns-win-to-be-celebrated-on-st-patrick-s-day-in-laois.html

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.

“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.”
 
“As a community retailer, we take great pride being involved in such an incredible initiative."

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.