Minister for Rural and Community Development has announced that €1.5 million will be allocated to support local TidyTowns groups.

The funding will help the groups prepare for the 2024 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.

Eligible TidyTowns groups across the country will be able to avail of funding between

€1,000 and €4,000.

With this new announcement, €9.5 million has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development since 2017. This year is the 65th anniversary of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, with over 880 towns and villages entering the competition in 2023.

Minister Humphreys said: "The SuperValu TidyTowns Competition is all about community, innovation, and sustainability, and I’m delighted to be able to support this important work with this direct funding. I applaud the impactful work that our TidyTowns groups across the country do in making our towns and villages better places in which to work, live and raise a family.

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"The funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 is being provided to groups to assist them in preparing for the 2024 Competition in particular initiatives in the areas of biodiversity, sustainability and inclusion, all of which help Ireland realise its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the tens of thousands of TidyTowns volunteers who give their time and skills so generously over the years. Everything you do locally benefits us all. I encourage younger people and our new communities in particular to get involved in 2024, to further enrich this wonderful competition. I am confident that the funding provided by my Department will continue to make, a real difference to the towns and villages of Ireland."

All of the SuperValu TidyTowns Groups who entered the competition in 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be eligible to apply. Eligible groups will be contacted before Christmas to confirm their funding. All projects using this support must be completed by 31 July 2024.