€50,000 funding boost for Tidy Towns groups
A TOTAL of €50,000 in funding has been approved to Tidy Towns groups across County Wicklow.
The funding was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development in recent days to mark the 60th anniversary of the national competition.
‘I am delighted to announce a grant scheme for the Supervalu Tidy Towns committees. Generations of people in communities have volunteered with Tidy Towns to make our country a place we can all be proud of. I have nothing but admiration for the volunteers here tonight and across the country and this grant scheme is recognition from the Government of the huge contribution made by citizens in their own community. 2018 sees the 60th Anniversary of the Supervalu Tidy Towns competition and this grant scheme is just part of the Department’s celebration of that milestone,’ the Minister said.
Wicklow TD and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Andrew Doyle welcomed the funding and said that it will be put to good use by the many hard-working Tidy Towns groups across the county.
He acknolwedged the dedication of the volunteers and thanked them for their efforts and good work.
‘I am delighted to see even more funding going to towns and villages throughout county Wicklow. I have no doubt that the money will be a huge boost to our local communities and will be put to great use. Tidy Towns competition inspires a huge amount of voluntary effort in towns and villages across the country. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who give up their free time to make our communities better places to live. Being a volunteer with Tidy Towns allows individuals to practice their passion for the good of their community, whether that passion concerns the built environment, landscaping, sustainable living, and local wildlife or organising a litter collection; there is a place for it in Tidy Towns,’ he said.
The county allocation has been broken down as follows but could vary from town to town once applications have been submitted by each group: Wicklow €3,000, Tinahely €2,000, Roundwood €1,000, Knockananna €1,000, Delgany €2,000, Avoca €1,000, Kiltegan €1,000, Enniskerry €2,000, Bray €4,000, Aughrim €2,000, Laragh & Glendalough €1,000, Greystones €4,000, Donard €1,000, Arklow €3,000, Newtownmountkennedy €2,000, Dunlavin €1,000, Blessington €2,000, Grangecon €1,000, Stratford- On-Slaney €1,000, Ashford €2,000, Glenealy €1,000, Shillelagh €1,000, Rathdrum €2,000, Newcastle €1,000, Carnew € 2,000, Kilcoole €2,000, Rathdangan €1,000, Coolboy €1,000, Hollywood €1,000, Ballycoog €1,000.