Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
137. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures that are being considered in providing grant assistance to support the important work carried out by local tidy towns committees across the country. [53841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supervalu TidyTowns competition is a unique community movement which has a huge impact on our communities throughout Ireland. It is an extremely 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. The competition has evolved in recent years, widening its focus to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Communities involved in TidyTowns contribute to making places great locations to live in, to work in or to visit, where volunteers work together to make their own place brighter, friendlier and more inclusive.
Last year I announced a funding package of €1.5 million to support TidyTowns groups preparing for this year's competition. €6.7 million has been allocated by my Department to groups since my Department was established in 2017.
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 am looking forward to announcing the winner of Ireland's Tidiest Town 2022 this Friday in the RDS at an event sponsored by SuperValu.
