Calling All Community Champions: Tidy Districts Competition 2025 Now Open for Entries

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce the launch of its Tidy Districts Competition for 2025 and has issued a Call to Action for all community groups to get involved.  The Tidy Districts continues to expand to acknowledge and support all community groups big and small, that work tirelessly to enhance their local environments. This year's vision for competition aims to open up the program to all groups and offers the Council an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of estate management organisations, residents’ associations, and tidy towns groups that foster a sense of pride and spirit in their communities.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Jim O’ Leary, said:

“We know that global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss require local solutions. The groups involved in Tidy Districts are leading by example—showing how community action can create greener, more resilient places to live. This partnership between the Council and our communities is a powerful force for positive change”.

The Tidy Districts competition has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an anti-litter competition and now strives to celebrate the ever-expanding impact of the County’s volunteer groups. The lifeblood of Irelands communities, the volunteer groups have seen their roles evolve in reach and their remit can now include beautifying their land and streetscapes, promoting biodiversity, engaging the public and fostering sustainable communities and more.

The categories in these years competition have been streamlined into 4 open-ended pillars to allow groups to highlight their work in all its possible aspects and to make the step into our competition more accessible. In addition, this year's competition will see a focus on visual storytelling, The use of pictures will bring into focus the scope of their work and its impact on their area as well as promoting the positive influence their actions have to a wider audience.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“We are continually inspired by the dedication of volunteers across the county. Their work makes a lasting difference in our towns, villages, and estates. Last year, we received 32 fantastic applications, and we hope even more groups will join us this year to share their stories and celebrate their impact”.

For information on how to apply, please visit our website here. Completed application forms should be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 10 July.  Queries can be emailed to tidydistricts@dlrcoco.ie or info@dlrcoco.ie or by calling 01-2054700.