I am pleased to welcome you to the official TidyTowns web-site, home of all news directly and indirectly relating to the national TidyTowns initiative.

Over 1,000 communities - urban, rural, big and small - have participated in TidyTowns at one time or another over its half-century existence, and it is this widespread engagement with the local environment that has brought about the transformation of so many towns and villages throughout Ireland. The reasons why TidyTowns has gone on to become the national movement we know today are many, but to my mind it's because TidyTowns is, and always has been, a lot more than just a competition.  

• First and foremost, Tidy Towns is a concept that all participants can buy into; the simple but powerful idea that  people can make a difference to their own area and make them better places to live, work and visit.
• Secondly, Tidy Towns provides a framework for such ideas to come to life; a best practice guide to maximise intent and guarantee results.
• And finally, it is a competition where areas can be independently and constructively assessed against a general standard of excellence and against each other, thereby increasing standards year on year.

So if ever taking part was more important than winning, it is true of TidyTowns and I would urge all communities to sign up and reap the benefits that participation can bring. 

I hope you will find this site both useful and informative and visit it regularly. If you have any comments or suggestions, please forward them to tidytowns@environ.ie 

Best Wishes

John Gormley, T.D.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government