Funding boost for Tidy Towns groups
Westmeath’s Tidy Towns groups are set to receive a funding boost from the government to mark the competition’s 60th anniversary.
Under the funding scheme announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, a total of €46,000 has been allocated to be divided up among Westmeath’s Tidy Towns groups.
This scheme will allow for every local Tidy Towns committee in the county to apply for a grant of between €1000 and €4000 to support the work they do.
The news has been welcomed by Deputy Peter Burke: “I am delighted to see even more funding going to towns and villages in Westmeath. I have no doubt that the money will be a huge boost to our local communities and will be put to great use.”
Burke confirmed that all who have applied to enter the competition in the past three years will be eligible. This covers a total of 34 groups in total in Westmeath. Pobal will administer the scheme on behalf of the Department and will contact all eligible groups directly to facilitate the drawdown of the funding. Under the scheme, villages are eligible to receive €1,000; small towns are eligible to receive €2,000; large towns are eligible to receive €3,000; and large urban centres are eligible to receive €4,000.
“This funding is an acknowledgment from our Government of the amazing work that has been done by Tidy Town’s organisations up and down the county for the last 60 years,” Deputy Burke said.
“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. This funding...will not just celebrate the last 60 years, but also help us look towards the future.
“In October Minister Ring announced €21.6 million in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will help revitalise over 280 towns and villages across rural Ireland. Westmeath received almost €600,000.
“A once off investment by the Department of Rural and Community Development to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tidy Towns competition in 2018... is additional to the support provided by the Department... I think this is a fantastic initiative provided by Minister Ring which will help communities across the country.
“Tidy Towns organisations are at the heart of the communities and are experts in their area, knowing exactly where money and investment can be put to the best use for the betterment of the area. Giving this money to the people who are best placed to spend it will mean the taxpayer gets optimum value for money.”