Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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563. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht whether there is a grant available for the purchase of equipment that could be shared between a number of tidy town organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50419/26]

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. It is abundantly clear that our support for the TidyTowns competition has delivered very tangible and visible benefits in towns and villages all over the country.

I am very conscious of the work undertaken by our TidyTowns groups and direct financial supports are in place for groups to support the costs which can arise. Last year, I announced funding of €1.5 million to support TidyTowns groups in their initiatives for the 2026 competition. This funding brings the total allocation by my Department since 2017 to over €12.5 million in direct funding to over 1,000 TidyTowns groups.

Depending on the population size of the TidyTowns group, funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 is available. It is intended to assist groups in preparing for this year's competition, as well as focussing on projects with a sustainability and biodiversity focus.

Further financial support is available to TidyTowns groups through the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) of my Department. This programme is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. In general, support under the LEP is available to groups including Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, TidyTowns groups, and Men’s and Women’s Sheds.

I also encourage TidyTowns groups to engage with their local authority or local development company to explore what other funding sources may be available to support the valuable voluntary work they are providing for their local communities.