Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she expects to support the Tidy Towns efforts throughout County Kildare and throughout the country, now and in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28580/23]
View answerThe SuperValu TidyTowns competition is a unique community movement which has a huge impact on our communities throughout Ireland. It is an effective and important sustainability initiative in Ireland, both from an environmental and community perspective. It encourages communities to improve their local environment and make their area a better place to live, work and visit in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy. The competition has evolved in recent years, widening its focus to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
At the national awards ceremony in the RDS in October last, I was delighted to announce Trim, Co Meath as Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2022. At the event I also announced a funding package of €1.4 million to support TidyTowns groups in their initiatives for the 2023 competition. This funding brings the total allocation by my Department since 2017 to €8.1 million in direct funding to over 1,000 TidyTowns groups. A total of €70,000 was made available to 37 eligible groups in Kildare, 33 groups have availed of this funding to date.
Under Our Rural Future, my Department also provides a wide range of supports to promote the development of rural areas, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR programme. I would encourage TidyTowns groups to engage with their local authority or local development company to explore what funding sources may be available to support the valuable voluntary work undertaken.
I’m delighted to say that over 870 entries have been received for the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition. Adjudication is currently taking place and I look forward to announcing the results in the Autumn.
