The 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition launched this week in Carrick-on-Shannon, which was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2025.
Across The Avondhu region, several towns and villages will again be vying for the top title, as local groups gear up for the competition.
In place since 1958, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, continues to be one of the most recognised sustainable, environmental and community initiatives in the country.
Almost 1,000 TidyTowns groups are active across the country, and last year saw a record 929 entries to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This saw over 30,000 volunteers giving up over 1 million hours of their time, all year round, to come together to make our communities cleaner, brighter and more vibrant places. Locally, several groups were again awarded prizes and medals in recognition of their efforts in the annual competition.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said that TidyTowns groups have been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the Government’s objective to ensure towns are sustainable, resilient and thriving hubs of commercial and social activity.
“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be surprised at the benefits that can accrue to you and to your wider community,” the minister said. “I would like to say a special thank you to our national sponsor, SuperValu, now in their 36th year of sponsoring the competition. SuperValu have been wonderful partners on this journey and I look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years”.
Minister Calleary concluded by thanking the TidyTowns volunteers throughout the country and wishing them well in the 2026 competition.
“Ba mhaith liom gach rath a ghuí oraibh go léir i gcomórtas 2026. Táim ag súil le hiontrálacha álainn na mbailte agus na sráidbhailte a fheiceáil agus bualadh leat ag an searmanas bronnta níos déanaí sa bhliain,” duairt sé.
The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday, May 11th. Entry forms and further information about the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie
