Pride and positive change with 35th annual Ballyhoura Tidy Town awards

BALLYHOURA Development has announced the 35th Annual Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Awards.

Taking place on Tuesday, September 3, at the Castleoaks House Hotel, Castleconnell, the event will celebrate the dedication, creativity, and environmental stewardship of Tidy Towns groups across Ballyhoura Country.

Supported by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), the event recognises year-on-year improvements and achievements in the national Tidy Towns competition.

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Rhiannon Laubach, Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Network Coordinator, spoke on the awards saying, “The Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Awards provide an opportunity for Tidy Towns volunteers to come together and celebrate their achievements over the past year.

“This event recognises the time and commitment these volunteers dedicate to enhancing their communities, as well as developing initiatives related to biodiversity and sustainability.” Rhiannon added.

As part of the celebrations, Castleconnell Tidy Towns will lead a short guided walk, showcasing local initiatives including their work with the Síolta Glasa project which focuses on community-led climate action. Attendees  will also receive  a preview of the Tidy Towns group plans for Culture Night.

The evening will have keynote speaker Alex Whyatt from Global Action Plan Ireland (GAP Ireland), who will explore how communities across Ireland are contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Tidy Towns initiatives.

Alex will also share advice on how these contributions can be effectively referenced in applications, strengthening submissions and aligning with both national and global sustainability targets.

GAP Ireland aims to equip individuals and communities  with knowledge and skills to develop solutions to the environmental and climate crises.

They deliver programmes for community groups, schools, business, in areas  from environmental  education and climate action, to global citizenship, the Sustainable Development Goals and community transformation.

Ballyhoura Development will also present the Youth Empowerment for the Sustainable Development Goals (YESDGs) Erasmus+ Project.

This project aims to promote active citizenship and youth entrepreneurship, focusing on awareness and knowledge of measures for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Development Manager for Ballyhoura Development, Catherine Smyth said, “The YESDG project offers a pathway for young people to become proactive and engaged citizens, and acknowledges their vital role in building a sustainable future. It encourages them to take concrete actions to address climate change and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

All Tidy Towns groups in Ballyhoura Country, including new groups, are also invited to attend. This event is a chance to recognise, learn, and inspire communities to keep working towards a sustainable future. 

Everyone is welcome to attend this evening of recognition, learning, and community spirit.