Communities in Limerick are being encouraged to once again go for gold in 2026 as one of Limerick’s most successful environmental and community initiatives officially launches for another year.
Now firmly established as one of Limerick’s flagship community programmes, Limerick Going for Gold continues to inspire local groups, residents, volunteers and organisations to work together to enhance their communities, improve biodiversity, protect the natural environment and create more sustainable places to live, work and visit.
As every year, significant prizes are on offer, with a top prize of €10,000 and additional awards of €7,000 and €5,000 available across a range of competition categories. Winners will be announced at the prestigious Limerick Going for Gold Gala Awards Ceremony later this year.
In addition to the prize fund of over €70,000, almost €80,000 in Environmental Improvement Grants is being distributed to local communities throughout Limerick. Grants ranging from €200 to €5,000 will support projects focused on biodiversity enhancement, litter management, circular economy initiatives, sustainable planting schemes and environmental improvement works, while also helping to protect and celebrate Limerick’s natural and built heritage.
LASTING BENEFITS
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, together with Helen O’Donnell of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, officially launched Limerick Going for Gold 2026 at Moyross Enterprise Centre, inviting communities across the city and county to take part in the annual competition which promotes biodiversity, nature conservation, circular economy initiatives and sustainable living.
Mayor Moran said the competition was ‘one of the finest examples of community spirit in action’.
“The competition not only enhances the appearance of our communities but also delivers lasting environmental benefits through biodiversity projects, pollinator-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices,” he said.
Competition Categories
In 2026, Limerick Going for Gold will distribute over €70,000 in prizes across a range of categories, including: Tidy Towns Category, Limerick Bee Friendly in Bloom, Residential Areas, Endeavour Award; Sustainability, Waste Prevention and Community Engagement (formerly Reuse Award), Best New Entrant, and Community Youth Involvement.
PUBLIC VOTING
Applications for entries have now closed. Limerick Going for Gold 2026 adjudication will take place in August this year. A radio campaign with public voting will commence on Live 95 in August.
