Minister Humphreys launches 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Ian Allen, has 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: “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.”

More than 30,000 volunteers across 1,000 active TidyTowns groups worked on this project to make their local communities better and more sustainable places to live, work and visit.  

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.“SuperValu’s 'Take Local Action, Make Global Impact' initiative embodies this ethos by not only promoting sustainability but also fostering a sense of community ownership, echoing the spirit of SuperValu TidyTowns. “Through this initiative, we showcase the small actions individuals can take in their daily communities to enact positive change, echoing the values ingrained in TidyTowns, he said.”  

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 competition and of course offer some fantastic prizes for winning towns. 

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday,  May 8. 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.