€67,000 allocated to local TidyTowns groups

€67,000 in funding has been allocated to support local TidyTowns groups in Meath.

It is part of a €1.5 million injection into local TidyTowns groups nationwide ahead of preparations for the 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition with eligible groups being urged to ensure they avail of the funding.

Navan received the highest figure with €4,000 allocated to the town. Other areas received between 1,000 and €3,000 respectively.

This allocation will provide top-up funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 for eligible TidyTowns groups across the country. All of the SuperValu TidyTowns Groups who entered the competition in any of 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be eligible to apply.

This year marked the 65th anniversary of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, which continues to go from strength to strength, with over 880 towns and villages entering the competition in 2023.

With this new funding announcement, the Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated a total of €9.5 million to TidyTowns Groups since 2017.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D said:

“The SuperValu TidyTowns Competition is all about community, innovation, and sustainability, and I’m delighted to be able to support this important work with this direct funding.

“I applaud the impactful work that our TidyTowns groups across the country do in making our towns and villages better places in which to work, live and raise a family.”

The Minister continued:

“The funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 is being provided to groups to assist them in preparing for the 2024 Competition in particular initiatives in the areas of biodiversity, sustainability and inclusion, all of which help Ireland realise its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

All eligible groups will be contacted before Christmas to confirm their funding. All projects and initiatives funded under this support must be completed by July 31st, 2024.

At the national awards ceremony held earlier in October, Minister Humphreys declared Abbeyleix in County Laois as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023.

Looking ahead to next year, the Minister said:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the tens of thousands of TidyTowns volunteers who give their time and skills so generously over the years. Everything you do locally benefits us all. I encourage younger people and our new communities in particular to get involved in 2024, to further enrich this wonderful competition.

“I am confident that the funding provided by my Department will continue to make a real difference to the towns and villages of Ireland.”

The local groups in receipt of funding are:

Batterstown €1,000

Castletown Kilpatrick €1,000

Dunsany €1,000

Oldbridge €1,000

Clonalvy €1,000

Donore €1,000

Drumconrath €1,000

Gormanston €1,000

Julianstown €1,000

Kilberry €1,000

Kilbride €1,000

Killyon €1,000

Kilmessan €1,000

Mosney €1,000

Moynalty €1,000

Old Johnstown Village €1,000

Summerhill €1,000

Carlanstown €1,000

Kildalkey €1,000

Ardcath €2,000

Athboy €2,000

Ballivor €2,000

Bettystown €2,000

Longwood €2,000

Oldcastle €2,000

Slane €2,000

Duleek €2,000

Enfield €2,000

Stamullen €2,000

Dunboyne €3,000

Dunshaughlin €3,000

Kells €3,000

Laytown €3,000

Ratoath €3,000

Johnstown €3,000

Trim €3,000

Ashbourne €3,000

Navan €4,000