2023 SuperValu TidyTowns launches in Trim

The 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition was officially launched on Thursday last, March 23, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen.

2023 marks the 65th anniversary of the competition, which is expected to attract one of its highest level of entries to date. Trim, County Meath, the winners of the 2022 competition, hosted the official launch this year.

“The saying ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’, which means unity is our strength, really sums up what SuperValu TidyTowns is all about,” Minister Humphreys said.

“Once again the focus this year will be on bringing communities and TidyTowns volunteers of all ages together as we effect real change and make our towns and villages better places to live, work, visit and raise a family”.

Since 1958, the competition, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu, has been a pivotal initiative in bringing communities together and addressing some of the environmental challenges we face in modern society.

Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, said that what makes SuperValu TidyTowns special, is that it shows the power of community and how small actions can make a big difference.

“Every year, 29,648 volunteers across 924 committees give over three million hours of their time to SuperValu TidyTowns – this is a phenomenal effort. We have been heartened by the increased focus on biodiversity and sustainability projects in recent years, as well as the blended energy of youth and gold dust skills of experienced members which makes up the hundreds of TidyTowns committees across the country.

“We are thrilled that SuperValu has been chosen to continue our sponsorship of the TidyTowns competition for the next five years and are very grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for this exciting opportunity. We are excited to work with colleagues, friends and neighbours around the country to make our communities a better place. We strongly encourage people to contact their local SuperValu TidyTowns committee to join the collective efforts being made to build more sustainable communities for all,” Mr Allen said.

MAY ENTRY DEADLINE

Entry numbers are steadily increasing and many new groups are entering the competition for the first time or returning with new enthusiasm and drive to improve their local areas. Special Awards also continue to bring an added dimension to the completion and again this year there are an impressive array of special awards with some fantastic prizes.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday, 10th May.

Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns. ie and will be emailed to all registered groups. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@ drcd.gov.ie address.

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