National TidyTowns competition launched in Carrick-on-Shannon
Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2025. Pictured at the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns competition were from left (at centre) Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu; John Gaffney, Chairperson Carrick on Shannon TidyTowns and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, along with members of the Carrick on Shannon TidyTowns Committee at the awards ceremony at Croke Park. Pic: Naoise Culhane.
The SuperValu national TidyTowns competition was launched this morning, Monday, in Carrick-on-Shannon, which was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town and and Overall winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town in 2025.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, alongside the Managing Director of SuperValu, Luke Hanlon, launched the competition.
In place since 1958, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, continues to be one of the most recognised sustainable, environmental and community initiatives in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be here in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2025, as we launch the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This year we celebrate 68 years of this wonderful competition, which continues to thrive year on year - its success benefits us all.” There are almost 1,000 active TidyTowns groups, and last year saw a record 929 entries to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This saw over 30,000 volunteers giving up over 1 million hours of their time, all year round, to come together to make our communities cleaner, brighter and more vibrant places.
“TidyTowns groups have been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the government’s objective to ensure towns are sustainable, resilient and thriving hubs of commercial and social activity.
“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be surprised at the benefits that can accrue to you and to your wider community.
“I would like to say a special thank you to our national sponsor, Supervalu, now in their 36th year of sponsoring the competition. SuperValu have been wonderful partners on this journey and I look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.”
Speaking at the launch today, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “The launch of SuperValu TidyTowns competition is always an exciting time for committees and volunteers nationwide. The longevity and diversity of the programme is remarkable, with 70% of committees active for more than a decade, and a quarter of all volunteers are under 45. It’s fantastic to see volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together with the aim of enhancing their communities, and we can’t wait to see their hard work pay off throughout the year.
