The 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition has been officially launched in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim today (Monday, March 23).

The competition, which has been running since 1958, is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu.

Last year, there were a record 929 entries to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition.

There are currently almost 1,000 active TidyTowns groups across the country.

Over 30,000 volunteers dedicated over 1 million hours of their time throughout the year to enhance their local communities.

Tidy Towns

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary launched this year's competition in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2025.

"This year we celebrate 68 years of this wonderful competition, which continues to thrive year on year - its success benefits us all.

"TidyTowns groups have been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the government’s objective to ensure towns are sustainable, resilient and thriving hubs of commercial and social activity.

“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their local group and volunteer, you will be surprised at the benefits that can accrue to you and to your wider community," he said.

Commenting at the launch today, Luke Hanlon, SuperValu managing director said this is the retailer's 36th year sponsoring the competition.

"It’s fantastic to see volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together with the aim of enhancing their communities, and we can’t wait to see their hard work pay off throughout the year," he said.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday, May 11, 2026.