Call for young volunteers as 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition launched

Pictured at the launch of the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition 2024 are Minister Heather Humphreys and Ray Kelly, Marketing Director SuperValu, along with Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members and pupils from Scoil Mhuire and Abbeyleix South National School. Now in its 66th year, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu.

With some fantastic prizes on offer for winning towns, along with 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, volunteers the length and breadth of the country are once again rounding up theie troops in an effort to bring TidyTowns glory to their community.

Launched on Saturday last, March 23rd in Abbeyleix  by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Ian Allen, the 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition is open for entries.

With a call-to-action for more young volunteers this year, more than 30,000 volunteers are continuing to create more vibrant and sustainable towns thanks to TidyTowns, which is now in its 66th consecutive year

SHOWCASING COMMUNITIES

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.

“TidyTowns is all about people, places and possibilities,” Minister Humphreys said. “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”, she said.

“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.”

“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.” 

MAY 8th DEADLINE

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. 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