Minister Dara Calleary T.D. Launches
2026 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition celebrating 68 years of environmental and community effort
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary T.D., alongside the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Luke Hanlon, have today, March 23rd, launched the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns 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 in Ballincollig, 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.
Minister Calleary continued:
Speaking at the launch today, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “The launch of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is an exciting time for committees and volunteers nationwide, as we look forward at what can be achieved to enhance our communities in the weeks and months ahead”.
“This year marks SuperValu’s 35th year as proud sponsor of this wonderful initiative, a testament to the tireless work of volunteers and the Department in driving its continued growth and success. The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has become synonymous with SuperValu itself, thanks to the reach of our independent retail network across the country and our deep-rooted commitment to supporting communities at a local level.
As a community retailer, we take great pride being involved with SuperValu TidyTowns for another year and our Independent retailers play a vital role in supporting and engaging with this initiative.”
Minister Calleary concluded by thanking the TidyTowns volunteers throughout the country and wishing them well in the 2026 competition. An tAire: “Ba mhaith liom gach rath a ghuí oraibh go léir i gcomórtas 2026. Táim ag súil le hiontrálacha álainn na mbailte agus na sráidbhailte a fheiceáil agus bualadh leat ag an searmanas bronnta níos déanaí sa bhliain.”
The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday May 11th, 2026. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the TidyTowns@drcdg.gov.ie email address. Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie.
Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie
