Minister Heather Humphreys Launches 2022 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Ian Allen, has today (April 7th 2022) launched the 2022 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. In place since 1958, the competition continues to grow from strength to strength. It is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu.

Speaking at the launch of the competition in Ennis this morning, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D., said;  “It is wonderful to be here in Ennis, Ireland’s Tidiest Town, to launch the 2022 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. Seeing the competition back to its normal cycle is very welcome news and no doubt thousands of TidyTowns volunteers across the country are thrilled to see the competition back in full swing. TidyTowns groups have shown great strength in recent times and have continued to put their shoulder to the wheel in keeping our towns and villages and indeed the country, looking its best, when we needed it most.”

Minister Humphreys continued:  “My Department strives to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland, and SuperValu TidyTowns is a great way to get involved in community life. I would encourage young and old to get involved in your local TidyTowns groups. You might be surprised at how much you will benefit as well as your community. The role my Department plays in this competition continues to give me great satisfaction as we support and recognise the work of local communities.  I also commend our sponsor, SuperValu, for their continuing support and enthusiasm and for all they do in raising awareness of the competition. Now in their 31st year of sponsorship, they continue through their nationwide network of retailers to make the competition one of the best known sustainable and environmental initiatives in Ireland”.

Also speaking at the launch today, Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “It’s great to be launching this year’s SuperValu TidyTowns competition and even better to be doing so in person following a challenging couple of years for everyone. This year marks our 31st year sponsoring the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and in that time, we have seen it grow along the way. There is a great opportunity to continue the evolution of SuperValu TidyTowns, enabling us to engage and empower people around the country to create sustainable communities, recognising the value of our biodiversity, and coming together to play our part in response to climate change. We look forward to working with colleagues, friends and neighbours in communities around the country to make this a reality and we encourage people to contact their local SuperValu TidyTowns committee to join the efforts being made to build more sustainable communities for all.” 

Now well into its seventh decade, the competition continues to attract new entrants and continues to grow. This year again we see some new and exciting special awards with great prizes and all groups are encouraged to consider entering some of these awards. These include an award on Bat Conservation, redesigned awards on climate action and air quality and the continuation of the Young Persons in TidyTowns award.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Friday 20th May 2022. Entry will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie address. Entry forms to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition will be emailed to all registered groups or can be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of Rural and Community Development (Phone: 01 773 6912) or by visiting www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie.

Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie                                                     

ENDS

 

Media Queries Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01 7736843 / 086 791 2704

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie 

Notes for editors:

  • Competition launched in 1958
  • Record number of entries in 2019 of 924
  • SuperValu are now in their 31st year of sponsoring the competition
  • Competition proceeded in 2021 albeit differently; groups asked to enter electronically and adjudication took place remotely.
  • Competition resumes its normal cycle this year and adjudication will be by site visit conducted by the national panel of SuperValu TidyTowns Adjudicators.
  • Given the success with the electronic application process in 2021 and from a sustainability perspective this electronic application process will continue in 2022.
  • Results of all winners will be announced in Q4 2022
  • The results of the 2021 competition announced in November 2021 saw:

Geashill in Offaly being named as the tidiest village,

Abbeyleix in Laois took the title of tidiest small town

Cobh in Cork was named as tidiest large town.

Ennis in Clare was named as the tidiest large urban centre and also took the national title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2021.