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

The SuperValu Tidy Towns competition is a unique volunteer-led programme that makes a hugely positive contribution in communities across Ireland. Ahead of the competition launch each year, officials in my Department meet with SuperValu, the main sponsor of the competition, and with our highly skilled and competent panel of adjudicators. My Department's role is to facilitate the administration of the adjudication process, but my officials are not actively involved in the formal adjudication of competition entries. Adjudication of competition entries typically takes place during the months of June and July over an intensive six-week period. Based on the experience in previous years, approximately 900 towns and villages are likely to undergo assessment during this period. In the event that the adjudication period coincides with an election, adjudicators are aware that election posters may be displayed, within the allowed timeframe specified under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, in towns and villages entered in the Supervalu Tidy Towns competition. My Department has advised the panel of adjudicators that posters in place within the allowed timeframes should not impact on any Tidy Towns scoring.

The 2024 SuperValu Tidy Towns competition was launched on 23 March, with a closing date of 8 May. I wish all groups entering the best of luck and commend them on the excellent and inspirational work they undertake to make our towns and villages better places to live, work, visit and enjoy. The Tidy Towns competition is a great event. There are so many volunteers. I do not need to tell the Deputy about them; he knows it perfectly well, as does everybody else. The volunteers make a huge contribution to their communities and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. I look forward to announcing the results of the 2024 SuperValu Tidy Towns competition and meeting the winning entries at an awards ceremony later in the year. It is a wonderful event.

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