Tidy Towns contest adds Climate Change award

Ireland this week launched its 51st annual National Tidy Towns competition, and this year the competition will include recognition for the most eco-conscious local community.

A new Climate Change award will be given to the community that does the most work reducing the local carbon footprint and raising awareness of environmental issues.

Announcing this year’s award, John Gormley, Ireland’s minister for environment, heritage, and local government, said: “The introduction of a climate change category this year ensures that the National TidyTowns Competition continues to evolve and is to the fore in addressing key environmental issues.”

A total of eleven accolades are on offer this year in addition to the main award.

Last year’s overall winner was Westport, taking the title for the third time in a decade.

A prize also went to Kenmare, Co Kerry, for being Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town, whilst Ennis, Co Clare was awarded the accolade of being Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Entries for this year’s competition must be submitted by 22nd May 2009. More information is available at www.tidytowns.ie.