Birr Tidy Towns committee honoured at civic recognition ceremony

The stellar achievements of Birr Tidy Towns committee in successive Supervalu Tidy Towns competitions were acknowledged by the elected members of Birr Municipal District on Thursday evening last.

Birr Tidy Towns committee were awarded gold medals in the Supervalu Tidy Towns competiton in 2024 and 2025, the feat formally recognised with a civic reception in their honour.

The event was attended by the elected members of the Birr Municipal District, Deputy John Clendennen TD, MEP Nina Carberry, council officials, and Birr Tidy Towns committee, led by chairperson Eileen Fitzsimons, joint secretaries, Bernie Taylor Lynch and Greg Smith and treasurer, Bernie Fanneran.

Cathaoirleach of Birr Municipal District Cllr Hugh Egan formally presented the committee members with a certificate and an engraved medallion to mark the occasion.

In his speech he acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the current Committee and paid tribute to past members such as the late Tony McLoughlin and the late Mary Lawlor who were founder members of the group.

Ms. Ann Dillon, Director of Services with responsibility for the Municipal District of Birr, acknowledged the steady work of the committee over the 40 years since its establishment.

The committee is well organised with a core number of active members and supported by over 20 additional volunteers, including a Junior Tidy Towns group.

The Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition is no longer just about tidiness and litter control with judging based on community, nature and biodiversity, sustainability, streetscapes and public places.

Of the eight categories in the competition, Birr Tidy Towns have continued to increase their points year on year, culminating in winning the gold medal achievements in 2024 and 2025.