5 April 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
The 2016 SuperValu TidyTowns competition is open for entries from today 5th April 2016. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SuperValu’s sponsorship of the competition. Now in its 58th year, the competition is administered by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and is a catalyst for voluntary activity and community participation across the country.
In reference to the competition Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, T.D. said “The SuperValu TidyTowns Competition not only brings huge environmental benefits to communities but it also encourages community development. The competition recognises the work of the TidyTowns volunteers, from the planning stage to the completion of projects. It gives communities a vehicle to come together to take ownership of their own locality and effect positive change. In 2015 we had a record entry to the competition, I hope this year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Proclamation of Independence that even more communities will enter and enable the continued success of this competition”.
Minister Kelly also 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 to visit. “Generations of volunteers on TidyTowns committees have been improving the environment in which we live for 58 years and have 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. 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 local area. TidyTowns committees should take advantage of this initiative to seek out new volunteers or voluntary expertise”
Speaking at the launch, Des O’Mahony, SuperValu Marketing Manager said “2016 marks a landmark year for SuperValu as it reaches the 25th anniversary of its sponsorship of Tidy Towns. This is one of the longest running sponsorships in Ireland and one that we are extremely proud to be associated with down through the years.
We believe in the power and value of helping to build vibrant local communities and Tidy Towns is a perfect partnership for SuperValu. With 221 stores nationwide, our retailers are uniquely positioned to work with Tidy Towns committees to build sustainable communities that we will be proud to pass on to future generations.
Year on year, there is tremendous work carried out by Tidy Towns committees in every town and village in Ireland and this year we are hoping to further celebrate the great work done by each and every volunteer. We live in challenging times, socially and economically, but the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition demonstrates the power of people getting together for a common cause and the value it brings to our communities across our country.”
The Minister expressed his appreciation to SuperValu for their continued support in sponsoring the competition. “2016 recognises the 25th anniversary of SuperValu’s support for the competition. They have helped it grow through their sponsorship and by getting involved locally through their nationwide network of retailers. I thank them for all for their continuing efforts to maintain the success of this competition.”
In addition to the main competition there are twelve Special Competitions that can be entered. Welcoming these competitions Minister Kelly said “I also thank the sponsors of these competitions for their support over the years. Some of the sponsors have been loyal to TidyTowns for a few years now, and the appetite for the competitions is still as strong as ever. These awards add to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and I would like to encourage entrants to consider entering some of them as well as the main competition.”
The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competitions is 20th May 2016. Entry forms to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition can be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – Phone (096-24309) or by visiting www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie. For entry to the Special Competitions please download your entry form at www.tidytowns.ie
