Cork County Council's anti-litter competition opens for applications

The Cork County Council Anti-Litter Challenge, long an annual competition for towns and villages, is now open for applications.

The challenge was introduced the 1990s in an effort to address the problem of litter in towns and villages across the county.

Each year sees communities scored by judges on the presence or absence of litter on their roads and streets.

The challenge is popular with Tidy Towns groups, community organisations and environmentally conscious volunteers, all of whom work to keep their communities litter-free.

Announcing this year’s challenge, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, said he was hopeful that more groups than ever before would take part in the competition this year.

“With spring in the air, our thoughts turn to our local environment and how we can all do our bit to keep it clean and attractive,” he said.

“Community groups are the heart of the fight against litter, helping us to create cleaner, safer spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

In 2024, some 20 towns and 66 villages entered the challenge and shared between them almost €43,000 in prize money, with Dunmanway, Saleen and Ballinhassig awarded the county champion awards in their respective categories.

“We hope to see many of our towns and villages take part again this year, along with some new and returning groups,” Mr Carroll said.

Applications can be made online through Cork County Council’s website at www.corkcoco.ie. The closing date is Wednesday, April 9, and the six-week judging period begins on Monday, April 28.

Email litterchallenge@corkcoco.ie.