Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
1137. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports, funding and grants available to registered tidy towns groups; if she is considering increasing these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10270/21]
View answerThe SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been in existence since 1958 and continues to grow in popularity, with a record 924 entries in 2019.
The TidyTowns Committees operate on a voluntary basis and the continued success of the competition is testament to the time and effort which volunteers, young and old, put in to the competition right across the country.
In recognition of the contribution which the TidyTown Committees make to their local communities, grant funding of €1.4 million was made available by my Department to TidyTowns Committees in each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.
This funding has allowed the Committees to better prepare for the annual competition through the purchase or upgrade of small equipment and other materials.
While the 2020 competition did not proceed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have given a commitment that the competition will go ahead in 2021, under an adapted format, if necessary, to comply with public health guidelines.
With this in mind, last December, I announced funding of €1 million to help TidyTowns groups to prepare for the 2021 competition. This allocation will provide up to €1,000 for every eligible TidyTowns group in the country, and is being provided as a top-up to the €1.4 million allocated to these groups at the end of 2019.
All of the eligible groups have been contacted with details of how to apply for the extra funding. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 28th February 2021.
In addition to the funding stream provided by my Department, I am aware that some TidyTowns groups have received funding from time to time from their Local Authorities to support then in their efforts.
