Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
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The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., has announced an extension to the closing date for applications under the €1 million top-up fund for TidyTowns groups.
The closing date has been extended until Friday, 19th March, to enable as many TidyTowns groups as possible to apply for this funding.
The Minister allocated €1 million in funding last December to support TidyTowns group across the country, with €1,000 available to every eligible group. In total, there are 987 eligible groups registered across the country. The funding is a top-up to the €1.4 million allocated to TidyTowns groups towards the end of 2019.
While the SuperValu TidyTowns competition could not take place in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Humphreys has confirmed that the 2021 competition will go ahead, with adaptations as necessary to meet public health guidelines. The launch date will be announced in the coming months.
Encouraging groups to apply for the funding available, Minister Humphreys said:
“Last December, I gave a commitment that the SuperValu TidyTowns competition would proceed in 2021, albeit in a slightly different format due to the COVID-19 restrictions. I also made additional funding of €1 million available to the TidyTowns groups to assist them in their preparations for the competition. I have written to every registered group, through Pobal, advising them how to apply for this funding."
“I want to encourage all groups to avail of this funding. The closing date for receipt of applications was originally the start of March, but in the current circumstances, I am extending this deadline to Friday, 19th March.”
The Minister added:
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the thousands and thousands of TidyTowns volunteers that have given their time and skills so generously over the years. The competition continues to grow in popularity, with a record number of 924 entries in 2019."
“As we continue to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, I am very conscious of the health and wellbeing of TidyTowns volunteers. Their safety is paramount. Social distancing must be maintained and public health advice heeded."
“I hope to be in a position to launch this year’s competition when restrictions around public gatherings and outdoor activities allow. I will keep the situation under review, but in the meantime, we all need to continue to work together to keep one another safe by following the public health guidelines.”