COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2025

MOTION NO. 20

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That this Council facilitates regular meetings between Tidy Towns groups, to share ideas and suggestions that will help groups in the Tidy Towns competition.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council fully recognises the vital role that Tidy Towns groups play in enhancing our towns, villages, and communities. These volunteer-led groups contribute significantly to environmental improvement, community engagement, and local pride. Ensuring clear and consistent communication with these groups is a priority for SDCC.

At present, communication with Tidy Towns groups takes place through a number of different sections such as the Environmental Awareness section, Public Realm, Roads section etc. However, we acknowledge that a more structured and regularised approach would help strengthen collaboration and support the evolving needs of these groups.

To that end, the Council is actively exploring the establishment of regular communication meetings with Tidy Towns groups on a county-wide LEA basis. These meetings will provide a forum to share updates, discuss challenges, and coordinate support on key issues such as waste management, storage, planting schemes, and grant funding.

We are also reviewing how digital platforms and email bulletins might be used to provide more consistent updates and facilitate two-way communication throughout the year.

To support this, additional resources have been allocated to the Environmental Awareness team, which will be working directly with Tidy Towns. The new Tidy Towns Liaison Officer has contacted all Tidy Towns groups by email and is arranging formal meetings with them. The team is examining ways to enhance ongoing communication and will address emerging issues promptly. Competitions are underway to fill the Environmental Awareness Officer vacancy and to recruit for the new post of Biodiversity Officer; both of these positions will also support Tidy Towns groups.

A Tidy Towns Communications Strategy will be developed in conjunction with the Tidy Towns groups and the relevant sections of the council.