Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1579. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how many tidy towns adjudicators her Department recruited in 2023; how many tidy towns adjudicators her Department currently has; the remuneration they receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11929/24]
View answerThe Supervalu TidyTowns competition is a unique community movement which has a huge impact on our communities throughout Ireland. 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 Ireland's commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2023, the Department had a panel of 29 adjudicators who were contracted for the duration of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. The remuneration paid to adjudicators is based on a daily fee of €300 and in addition a variable fee per centre adjudicated is paid (ranging from €175 in respect of a village to €300 for a large urban centre). The standard Civil Service Travel and Subsistence rates also apply.
In January 2024, my Department ran a recruitment process for trainee adjudicators. I am pleased to say that a panel has been created and once training has successfully been completed, this will bring the panel up to 40 adjudicators.
