Minister Dara Calleary T.D. Launches 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition celebrating 68 years of environmental and community effort
23 March 2026
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary T.D., alongside the Managing Director of SuperValu, Mr. Luke Hanlon, have today, March 23rd, launched the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.
In place since 1958, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, continues to be one of the most recognised sustainable, environmental and community initiatives in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, Minister Calleary said;
“I am delighted to be here in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2025, as we launch the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This year we celebrate 68 years of this wonderful competition, which continues to thrive year on year – its success benefits us all.”
There are almost 1,000 active TidyTowns groups, and last year saw a record 929 entries to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This saw over 30,000 volunteers giving up over 1 million hours of their time, all year round, to come together to make our communities cleaner, brighter and more vibrant places.
Minister Calleary continued:
“TidyTowns groups have been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the government’s objective to ensure towns are sustainable, resilient and thriving hubs of commercial and social activity.
“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be surprised at the benefits that can accrue to you and to your wider community.”
“I would like to say a special thank you to our national sponsor, Supervalu, now in their 36th year of sponsoring the competition. SuperValu have been wonderful partners on this journey and I look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.
Speaking at the launch today, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, said:
“The launch of SuperValu TidyTowns competition is always an exciting time for committees and volunteers nationwide. The longevity and diversity of the programme is remarkable, with 70% of committees active for more than a decade, and a quarter of all volunteers are under 45. It’s fantastic to see volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together with the aim of enhancing their communities, and we can’t wait to see their hard work pay off throughout the year.
“SuperValu’s role in communities goes far beyond retail. We are proud to provide local employment, champion local suppliers and invest in initiatives that help strengthen the quality of life in the areas we serve. SuperValu TidyTowns initiative aligns naturally with our long-standing commitment to building cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities. Sustainability continues to be a central pillar of the programme, and through SuperValu TidyTowns we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the environment, while supporting communities to take pride in the places they live and work.
“As a community retailer, we take great pride being involved with SuperValu TidyTowns for another year and we thank our independent retailers for their unwavering support and commitment.”
Minister Calleary concluded by thanking the TidyTowns volunteers throughout the country and wishing them well in the 2026 competition. Duirt an tAire:
“Ba mhaith liom gach rath a ghuí oraibh go léir i gcomórtas 2026. Táim ag súil le hiontrálacha álainn na mbailte agus na sráidbhailte a fheiceáil agus bualadh leat ag an searmanas bronnta níos déanaí sa bhliain.” The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday May 11th, 2026.