In 1958, the Department of Local Government organised the first National Tidy Towns Competition. Launched by Bord Fáilte, the Competition was initially intended to encourage people in towns and villages all over Ireland to come together to beautify their local environment.
Since then, towns all over the country have taken the opportunity afforded by Tidy Towns to demonstrate local pride and community spirit in a very real manner, making it one of the largest volunteer movements in Ireland.
Over the years, the Tidy Towns movement has undergone many changes, keeping pace as it must with changes in the country itself. Social, economic and cultural changes, increased environmental awareness and the growth in the urban population and in tourism have all had their affect.
Entering this competition is a major undertaking for any community, involving the participation of local authorities and businesses, as well as thousands of ordinary people. And with approximately 700 entries each year, competition for the awards is tough. So any town that wins an award can be justifiably proud and the winner of the title National Tidy Town can bask in a real sense of achievement. The 2007 holder is Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, which was also named 'tidiest small town in Ireland', and regional winner in the Midlands and East category.
An Post is delighted to issue a stamp on 19 June to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Tidy Towns Competition. The image featured on the stamp is a photograph of Aughrim, Co. Wicklow by Harry Weir.
Date of issue: 19 June 2008
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