Wicklow Tidy Towns Forum Sets Future Vision
The annual County Wicklow Tidy Towns Forum Event took place on Saturday, 20th September in the Conference Room of An Tairseach, Wicklow. This event brought together groups from across the county for a full day of expert presentations, discussions, and celebrations.
Organised by Wicklow County Council, the event was part of the Council’s Climate Action Week and Ireland’s fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week, which runs from 20th to 28th September 2025.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, welcomed attendees and congratulated the Tidy Towns groups in Wicklow on their achievements in the 2024 national competition. Wicklow celebrated four Gold Medals, awarded to Greystones, Arklow, Wicklow and Bray Tidy Towns. Additionally, Annacurra Tidy Towns received an Endeavour Award, while Blessington and Grangecon garnered Bronze medals.
Cllr. Corrigan praised the efforts of over 35 active groups across the county, stating: “Tidy Towns is not just about awards; it is about community spirit, collaboration and a lasting commitment to building vibrant, welcoming and environmentally sustainable towns and villages. Your projects inspire pride, strengthen connections and lead the way in biodiversity, heritage and sustainability.”
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
- Dr. Christy Boylan and Bernadette Solon FRIAI – National Adjudicators and international judges for Entente Florale and Communities in Bloom.
- Tom Butler – Chairperson of Ballincollig Tidy Towns, national winners in 2024.
- Julie Sammiller – Community Climate Action Officer, Wicklow County Council.
- Simon Whelan – Sustainable Energy Community Mentor for Wicklow.
- Éanna Gallagher – Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPro).
- Mark Costello – Climate Action Coordinator, Wicklow County Council.
A live Mentimeter survey invited participants to help shape the future direction of the County Tidy Towns Forum. The results revealed:
- Strong support for a permanent county-wide Forum
- A desire for more events, with a preference for hybrid formats.
- A request for training on grant applications, biodiversity, committee structures, constitutions, community engagement, and attracting new members.
- All groups expressed interest in joining a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC).
- Every member committed to making greener choices at home and in their communities following the event.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, remarked, “The commitment of our Tidy Towns groups is truly inspiring. The survey shows a clear appetite for collaboration, training, and innovation. Wicklow County Council will continue to develop a county-wide Forum that supports our volunteers, strengthens community pride and advances our climate and sustainability goals.”
Theresa O’Brien, Director of Services with Wicklow County Council, added, “The forum event highlights both the achievements and ambitions of Wicklow’s Tidy Towns groups. We will continue to collaborate with these groups to provide practical support and ensure that the Forum addresses the needs identified by the communities.”
The Forum concluded with a strong message of thanks from the Cathaoirleach: “Your work keeps Wicklow beautiful, but it also makes our county more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. I look forward to seeing our Tidy Towns groups continue to lead the way in shaping a greener, brighter future for Wicklow.”
For more information on Sustainable Development Goals and how to participate in SDG Week, visit www.gov.ie/sdgs or log your event on the European Sustainable Development Week platform at www.esdn.eu/esdw.
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Picture 1: Tidy Towns Forum event in An Tairseach were members from Tidy Towns across County Wicklow, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan with staff members from Wicklow County Council. Photo by Joshua Saji George.
Picture 2: Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan addressing members from Tidy Towns across County Wicklow.
Picture 3: Attendees at Tidy Towns Forum.