Tidy Towns Support

The national Tidy Towns initiative is an annual competition organised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with the support of the main sponsor SuperValu and many other agencies. The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment and prizes awarded to the best under many different categories. The overall winner is “Ireland’s Tidiest Town” which is announced at a national ceremony in September each year.

National Spring Clean

Throughout the month of April, National Spring Clean encourage communities from across Ireland to tackle the problem of litter in local areas and to see the benefits of a litter-free environment. The National Spring Clean campaign Ireland is largest and longest running anti-litter campaign. It is organized by An Taisce and sponsored by the Wrigley Company. It is supported by Local Authorities, who help co-ordinate clean-up activities for communities within their counties.

Over the past 21 years, The National Spring Clean has been focused on the message of the collective responsibility we share in tackling and preventing our national litter problem. By participating in organised clean-ups, groups and individuals of all ages come together to make a meaningful and positive contribution in their own communities.

All clean up groups registering with An Taisce (contact Emyln Cullen ecullen@eeu.antaisce.org) for the National Spring Clean campaign receive a FREE clean-up kit comprising information, posters, colour coded refuse sacks for segregation of waste materials, protective gloves and high-vis vests. Groups registered with National Spring Clean are covered under a public liability insurance policy while engaged in clean-up activities for the duration of the campaign.

Offaly County Council will collect any bags collected by groups. Contact the Environment Department on 057 9357403 or email environment@offalycoco.ie to arrange.

Funding Update

Local Agenda 21 application process is advertised each year in national and local press.  Further information is available from Caroline Clancy, Environmental Awareness Officer, Offaly County Council. Phone 057 9346872 or email cclancy@offalycoco.ie

Offaly Tidy Towns Network

The Tidy Towns Network holds 3 meetings per year to support the work of the voluntary Tidy Towns committees in Offaly.

If you want details on these meetings please contact us on 057 93 57401, or email community@offalycoco.ie and we will add you to our contact/mailing list for upcoming meetings and funding supports.

Where to Start

1. The Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government have a handbook for Tidy Towns groups
   National Tidy Towns Unit.
   Phone: 076 1006912
   Email: tidytowns@environ.ie
   Website: www.tidytowns.ie
   
2. Offaly County Council staff work together in a Tidy Towns Network to help coordinate our response to the needs of local organisations promoting Tidy Towns, as a starting point of contact for your organisation.
   Phone: 057 9357401
   Email: community@offalycoco.ie