Tidy Towns Support

The National Tidy Towns initiative is an annual competition organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with the support of the main sponsor SuperValu.  The competition has been running since 1958 and has become one of Ireland’s best-known environmental initiatives. 

For further information, and to access the SuperValu Tidy Towns Handbook, please visit https://www.tidytowns.ie/competition/handbook/  

How to start a Tidy Towns Group: 

If your town or village are interested in setting up a Tidy Towns/Village Group, you can establish it as a Sub-Group of an existing local development group or Town Team or establish it as a new group once you have identified interested people. You should ensure that you have as a minimum a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and a Constitution which sets out the roles and objectives for your Group. If you require assistance with a Constitution for your Group, you can contact ppn@galwaycoco.ie for a simple template Constitution.     

New Tidy Towns Groups often start their activities by organising litter picks and community clean-ups to raise awareness in the local community. In this regard, they are advised to link with the Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer to get advice on funding and supports for local litter picks and taking part in the National Spring Clean. If existing groups have an idea for a project or initiative in their idea, please contact us so that we can discuss and consider it with you.

Insurance for Tidy Towns Groups:

In recognition of the incredible benefit which volunteer tidy towns groups bring to their communities, local authorities have worked with their Insurer, Irish Public Bodies, to purchase a comprehensive Insurance Policy that will cover all volunteer groups carrying out tidy towns activities. Existing and new Tidy Towns Groups in County Galway can apply to transfer to the local authority insurance cover provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:  

• They are based and operating in a town or village catchment area in County Galway
• Their primary activity and purpose are to improve and enhance the appearance and sustainability of the community-wide public realm of their town/village
• They are a registered member of the Public Participation Network (all new groups should register online at https://www.galwaycountyppn.ie/registration-form/)  

Galway County Network of Tidy Towns Groups:

Galway County Council provides cross-departmental advice and support to its Network of Tidy Towns Groups, circulating relevant information on funding and initiatives, and holding an Annual Networking Event to assist groups to prepare Maps, 3-Year Plan, and other project planning aspects associated with entering the National Tidy Towns Competition. Galway County Council is proud to support the work of over 40 groups across County Galway, who do so much to improve the visual appearance of our towns and villages and enhance quality of life.    

Volunteer: 

Our Tidy Towns Groups are always looking for additional volunteers, so if you have a couple of hours to spare and want to become involved in your local community, this is a great way to meet people and its good for your health & wellbeing!   Please have a look for your local group on social media or link in with us and we can help you get in touch with them.