Ballincollig hosts 2025 Tidy Towns launch

The sun was shining in Ballincollig Regional Park for the visit yesterday by rural and community development minister Dara Calleary to Ireland’s tidiest town 2024 for the launch of the 2025 SuperValu Tidy Towns competition.

The competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, has been running since 1958.

The minister could hardly have picked a better backdrop for the launch.

Kept spotless by Tom Butler and his team of dedicated volunteers, Ballincollig offers strong testimony to the value of Tidy Towns — one of the country’s most recognised sustainable, environmental, and community initiatives.

Mr Calleary noted that last year saw more than 900 entries to the competition, with more than 30,000 volunteers giving up 1m hours of their time all year round to come together to make communities cleaner, brighter, and more vibrant places.

“Tidy Towns 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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Calleary thanked the competition’s national sponsor, SuperValu, now in its 35th year of sponsoring Tidy Towns.

SuperValu managing director Luke Hanlon said the competition had become synonymous with the retailer.

“As a community retailer, we take great pride being involved with SuperValu Tidy Towns for another year and our independent retailers play a vital role in supporting and engaging with this initiative,” he said.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday, May 12.

Entries will only be accepted by email to TidyTowns@drcd.gov.ie.