Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also recognise the great work of our Tidy Towns committees. I am a little biased because Glaslough in my county won the 2019 Tidy Towns competition. I know, therefore, how much this means and the sense of pride which it brings to the local community. I have also attended many events where prizes were given out and it was great to meet people from every organisation across the country. I met the finalists at those events and had a chat with them all. They do magnificent work.

We were in a different place last March when Covid-19 stuck, compared with where we are now. We are now learning to operate and live alongside the virus. The vast majority of the work our Tidy Towns volunteers carry out, and which makes a significant difference to our local towns and villages, can be done in a socially distanced way. As with everything related to Covid-19, there will always be some challenges, but I believe these can be overcome.

Let us look at what others have done. I never thought I would see Monaghan play Cavan in the first round of the Ulster championship in front of an empty St. Tiernach's Park in Clones, but that is exactly what happened last weekend. Cavan did beat us, but nevertheless it shows what can be possible when there is a will. I assure the Deputy, therefore, that the will is there on my part to ensure the Tidy Towns competition happens next year. That is what we want to see, and we will consult Tidy Towns groups and organisations because they will come up with their own solutions and good ideas. We will consult with those groups because we want to make that happen.

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