Five Mayo communities celebrating national Tidy Towns success

Gold medals for Castlebar and Westport, silver for Belmullet and Mulranny and a bronze for Ballina

Castlebar Tidy Towns continued their run of success over the last few years in the annual Tidy Towns competition when they picked up a gold medal today at the annual ceremony at the RDS in Dublin.

This is the fourth year in a row that Castlebar have picked up the top category award.

Westport also sealed a gold award with Mulranny and Belmullet capturing silver awards and Ballina winning a bronze award.

Alan Mee, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, said: “The last couple of years have been difficult for all voluntary groups so we are delighted to maintain the momentum and focus on improving Castlebar town for all.

"In the last year, the town has seen improvements such as the highly successful pods on market square making that a place for people to come together.

"The 'Colour Me Castlebar' campaign has added a splash of colour through floral plantings and arrangements right across the town from Springfield to the Mall to Market Square and the Christmas tree on the lake provided a light of hope in the dark winter days.

"The formation of a Sustainable Energy Community under the auspices of the SEAI ensures Castlebar is positioning itself well for the energy transition.

"The contributions of all voluntary groups are reflected in the Tidy Towns application and great credit is due to the volunteers who work week in and week out to make the town, a better place to visit, work in and live in."

Castlebar Tidy Towns was formed 28 years ago next week and look forward to continuing their work around the town long into the future.

Rosscarbery, Co Cork was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

Cahir, Co. Tipperary, was named as the overall winner of the Young Persons in TidyTowns Award and also the overall winner of the SuperValu AsIAm Inclusive Communities Award.