Funding boost for Mayo Tidy Towns groups

MINISTER Dara Calleary has announced the allocation of €1.5 million in funding to support the work of almost 1,000 Tidy Towns groups nationwide.

The funding is intended to aid groups in their continued efforts to make their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit, and brings the total amount allocated to Tidy Towns groups since 2017 to €14 million.

The allocation, announced at the national awards ceremony, includes €49, 000 for 34 Mayo Tidy Towns groups, including Aghagower €1,000; Balla €2,000; Ballina €3,000; Ballindine €1,000; Ballinrobe €2,000; Ballycastle €1,000; Ballycroy €1,000; Ballyhaunis €2,000; Ballyheane €1,000; Belmullet €2,000; Belcarra €1,000; Bullsmouth €1,000; Carracastle €1,000; Castlebar €3,000; Charlestown €2,000; Claremorris €2,000; Clogher €1,000; Cong €1,000; Crossmolina €2,000; Islandeady €1,000; Kilkeeran €1,000; Killala €1,000; Kilmaine €1,000; Kiltimagh €2,000; Knock €1,000; Knockmore €1,000; Lahardane €1,000; Louisburgh €1,000; Mulranny €1,000; Newport €1,000; Shrule €1,000; Swinford €2,000; The Neale €1,000; Westport €3,000.

Said Minister Calleary: “I recognise the vital role of our 30,000 plus Tidy Towns volunteers who work extremely hard year-round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and raise our families. The passion and dedication of these volunteers is the embodiment of everything that is good in our communities. Investment in our communities reaps long-term rewards for all, as showcased by the 936 groups who entered this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition.”

Minister Calleary also expressed his congratulations to each of the Mayo winners at this year’s national awards including Gold Medalists Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Mulranny and Westport; Silver Medal winners Cong; Bronze Medal winners Balla; All Ireland Pollinator Plan Regional Small Town winners Belmullet and Dark Sky Ireland winners Newport.