44 Tidy Towns groups in Co Clare have been allocated a combined €54,000 which they will be able to use despite the cancellation of this year’s competition.

Allocations of between €1000 to €4000 have been awarded to 44 Clare communities. The funds which are based on population size were intended to aid preparation for the 2020 competition which has been subsequently cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of €1.4m has been earmarked for groups nationwide.

Ennis Tidy Towns (€4000) received the biggest allocation of any group in the county followed by Shannon Tidy Towns (€3000).

A sum of €2000 was earmarked for Tidy Towns committees in Clarecastle, Kilrush, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin and Sixmilebridge.

Groups in Ballynacally, Ballyvaughan, Barefield, Bodyke, Boston, Bridgetown, Broadford, Bunratty, Carrigaholt, Clooney, Connolly, Cooraclare, Corofin, Cranny, Cree, Cross, Doonbeg, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilkishen, Killimer, Kilmihil, Kilmurry, Knock, Labasheeda, Lisdoonvarna, Mountshannon, Mullagh, O’Briens Bridge, Ruan, Scariff, Spanish Point, Tuamgraney, Tulla and Whitegate were assigned €1000.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) told The Clare Echo, “Any groups that have already spent the funds they received should retain their records of expenditure in the normal way. I also want to assure those groups which have not yet spent the funding they received, they can continue to use it over the next few months to assist with activities they might undertake as the COVID-19 restrictions are eased, or in preparing for the 2021 competition”.

“I very much hope that once the restrictions on gatherings are eased, and where possible within the public health guidelines, they can resume their work in making towns and villages in Clare more attractive and welcoming,” Carey added.