The TidyTowns competition for 2025 has been launched by Minister Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary and Luke Hanlon of sponsors SuperValu in the Regional Park of incumbent champions Ballincollig, Co. Cork.
Established in 1958, the competition promotes sustainable and environmental initiatives across communities in Ireland.
Nearly 1,000 active TidyTowns groups participated in the competition last year, showcasing a strong commitment to local improvement.
The 2024 competition received over 900 entries, with more than 30,000 volunteers dedicating over 1 million hours to community efforts.
The initiative aims to make communities cleaner, brighter and more vibrant, fostering a spirit of collaboration among residents.
County Donegal has won the competition most often with eight victories, followed by Meath (7), Cavan and Tipperary (6), Longford (5), Cork and Kerry (4), Clare and Mayo (3) and Dublin, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Waterford, Westmeath, Wicklow (2). Six counties have yet to with the competition: Kildare, Galway, Leitrim, Offaly, Sligo and Wexford.
Minister Calleary shared: ““Ba mhaith liom gach rath a ghuí oraibh go léir i gcomórtas 2025. Táim ag súil le hiontrálacha álainn na mbailte agus na sráidbhailte a fheiceáil agus bualadh leat ag an searmanas bronnta níos déanaí sa bhliain.”
TidyTowns groups have been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the government’s objective to ensure towns are sustainable, resilient and thriving hubs of commercial and social activity.
“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be surprised at the benefits that can accrue to you and to your wider community.”
“I would like to say a special thank you to our national sponsor, Supervalu, now in their 35th year of sponsoring the competition. SuperValu have been wonderful partners on this journey and I look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.
I am delighted to be here in Ballincollig, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2024, as we launch the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This year we celebrate 67 years of this wonderful competition, which continues to thrive year on year – its success benefits us all.”
Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, shared: “The launch of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is an exciting time for committees and volunteers nationwide, as we look forward at what can be achieved to enhance our communities in the weeks and months ahead”.
“This year marks SuperValu’s 35th year as proud sponsor of this wonderful initiative, a testament to the tireless work of volunteers and the Department in driving its continued growth and success. The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has become synonymous with SuperValu itself, thanks to the reach of our independent retail network across the country and our deep-rooted commitment to supporting communities at a local level.
As a community retailer, we take great pride being involved with SuperValu TidyTowns for another year and ourIndependent retailers play a vital role in supporting and engaging with this initiative.”
The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday May 12th, 2025. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the TidyTowns@drcd.gov.ie email address. Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie.
Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie
