Towns and villages in Laois are set to benefit from €33,000 in Government funding to mark 60th anniversary of Tidy Towns.
The funding was announced this week by the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Michael Ring TD.
This scheme will allow each local committee to apply for a grant of between €1000 and €4000 to support the work they do.
Speaking about the news, Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “I am delighted to see even more funding going to towns and villages here in Laois.
“I have no doubt that the money will be a huge boost to our local communities and will be put to great use.
“This funding is an acknowledgment from our Government of the outstanding work that has been done by tidy town’s organisations up and down the county for the last 60 years. These organisations have played in integral role in our local communities for decades now.
“TidyTowns 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.
“Being a volunteer with TidyTowns allows individuals to practice their passion for the good of their community, whether that passion concerns the built environment, landscaping, sustainable living, and local wildlife or organising a litter collection; there is a place for it in TidyTowns.
“This funding for twenty three TidyTowns organisations here in Laois, will not just celebrate the last 60 years, but also help us look towards the future.
“The grant scheme announced on Friday is a once off investment by the Department of Rural and Community Development to mark the 60th anniversary of the TidyTowns competition in 2018 and is additional to the support provided by the Department on an ongoing basis.”
