Mayo county town celebrates big increase in Tidy Towns points

Castlebar is celebrating a record-breaking increase of 19 points in this year’s National Tidy Towns Awards.

This remarkable result brings Mayo county town's total to 393 points, placing the town third in Mayo, just five points behind Westport and two behind Mulranny.

Impressively, Castlebar now stands only seven points behind the overall national winner, Carrick-on-Shannon.

This represents the greatest single increase on record for Castlebar in the competition.

During the national awards ceremony, Castlebar Tidy Towns was mentioned on two occasions for special commendation.

The adjudicators and Luke Hanlon, M.D. of SuperValu, praised the group’s inclusive approach, particularly their efforts in welcoming and involving volunteers from over 30 nationalities, including residents from the local IPAS Centres.

Ger Deere, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, paid tribute to the entire community for this collective achievement.

“This is a tremendous result for Castlebar and a proud day for our community.

"On behalf of the committee, I wish to sincerely thank our volunteers who work tirelessly in all weathers throughout the year to enhance the appearance of our town and make it a welcoming place for residents, visitors and tourists alike.

“Our campaign is not just about litter control or floral displays. It covers all eight categories of the National Tidy Towns competition – community involvement, streetscape and public places, green spaces and landscaping, nature and biodiversity, sustainability, tidiness and litter control, residential streets and housing areas, and approach roads and lanes.

"Every section matters, and every person involved has played a part in this success.”

Mr. Deere highlighted the importance of community partnerships, acknowledging the valuable support of Mayo County Council officials and staff, sports clubs, voluntary groups, residents’ associations, schools, businesses and the new residents who joined the effort through the IPAS Centres.

“This result truly reflects what can be achieved when a community works together,” he said.

Special recognition was also given to past and present committee members whose hard work and dedication over many years have brought Castlebar to this new level.

The chairperson expressed appreciation for those involved in preparing the town’s annual submission, which clearly impressed the adjudicators as Castlebar received additional marks across every competition category.

Castlebar Tidy Towns also extended sincere thanks to all those who contributed financially to the campaign – including local councillors, the general public through the Church Gate collection, and the business community.

In particular, heartfelt thanks were expressed to Kavanagh’s SuperValu Castlebar, the group’s main sponsor for over thirty years, for their unwavering support.

Looking ahead, Castlebar Tidy Towns hopes to build on this momentum and aim for regional recognition in the coming years.

The group is encouraging more residents to get involved, whether occasionally or on a regular basis, and especially welcomes anyone with skills or interest in sustainability, biodiversity, heritage, or environmental management to join the team.

“This is a proud moment for Castlebar,” Mr. Deere concluded.

“The town looked magnificent this year, and this result proves that when people work together, great things can be achieved.”

Castlebar Tidy Towns has congratulated all other Mayo towns on their efforts and in particular recognise the efforts of award winners: Westport, Ballina, Mulranny, and Beal an Mhuirthead (Gold Medal Winners); Cong (Silver Medal); Balla (Bronze and Tree Project Award); Claremorris (Endeavour Award)