Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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78. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2026 under the Tidy Town grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56044/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Supervalu TidyTowns competition is a unique volunteer-led programme that makes a hugely positive contribution in communities across Ireland.

I am keenly aware, and have seen first hand, the wonderful work undertaken by our Tidy Towns groups. I am also aware that costs can arise in the course of this work. With this in mind, direct financial supports have been put in place by my department for Tidy Towns groups.

Since 2017, the department has allocated over €11 million in grant funding to almost 1,000 eligible Tidy Towns groups nationwide.

The most recent grant funding of €1.5 million was announced in November 2024 for the 2025 calendar year. This funding, of between €1,000 and €4,000 per Tidy Town Group, was provided to assist communities in preparing for the 2025 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition. This work reaps the added benefits of helping to make our towns and villages better places to live, work and visit.

The Government has provided €1.75 million in Budget 2026 for the Tidy Towns initiative. In conjunction with the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns National Awards ceremony which will take place in Croke Park on Friday October 24th, the Department is currently preparing the parameters for the 2026 competition. I look forward to announcing the winners of the 2025 competition and meeting some of our Tidy Towns volunteers from around the country on the day as well as providing any details in relation to the 2026 competition at the event.