The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has officially launched.

The competition encourages the efforts of all local people who bring huge benefits to their communities.

The Minister of State for Rural Affairs, Ann Phelan, TD, said: "It recognises all the work of the TidyTowns volunteers, from the planning stage to the completion of projects. It gives communities a vehicle to come together to effect change where they live. Each year for the last four years this competition has attracted over 800 entries from cities, towns and villages throughout the country and I hope that this impetus will be sustained this year."

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Minister Phelan mentioned the significance of the work of TidyTowns volunteers in preserving Ireland’s reputation as a clean and green destination to live in, do business in and visit. She said: "The work of the generations of volunteers on TidyTowns committees cannot be overestimated, their efforts have been improving the environment in which we live for 57 years and has helped to transform the appearance of our towns and villages and to promote Ireland’s image abroad. The sense of place that develops when communities work together and take ownership of their own surroundings is evident where TidyTowns committees are active. Their communities offer a unique experience to visitors, from both at home and abroad. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has worked in partnership with Volunteer Ireland to grow voluntary effort; their website www.volunteer.ie matches members of the public interested in volunteering with voluntary opportunities in their own areas. TidyTowns committees should take advantage of this initiative to seek out new volunteers or voluntary expertise."

(CD/MH)