'Significant achievement' by Longford'sTidy Towns groups

This year's Tidy Towns result for county Longford has been heralded as “a very significant achievement” by a head of one of the voluntary bodies working for the betterment of communities.

A total of 15 entrants from the county crossed the 300 point mark. Newtownforbes, Edgeworthstown and Mullinalaghta continued their upward trajectory, while perennial achievers Drumlish, Legan and Lanesboro chased for medal spots. 

Michael Keenan of the Longford Town Tidy Towns committee said the standing of the county is boosted by the 2023 results: “There are many places in Longford that have been awarded really good marks. There are towns and villages showing they can perform really well in the future. ''It is surprising the number of towns with more than 300 points, towns and villages who have put in really impressive performances.”

Michael says this year builds on a firm foundation: “One thing county Longford should be really proud of is the tradition of success we have had in the competition. We have had Ardagh, Abbeyshrule and Newtowncashel win the overall award. When you look at the population of the county you realise this is a very significant achievement. There are a number areas within the county continually improving. It is something that the whole county should be proud of.” 

The Longford Tidy Towns' chair says there is a very real benefit for engaging with the competition: “When people think of Tidy Towns they think of litter. Litter only represents 17% of the overall marks. If you look at the report you will see areas like Nature & Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Green Spaces. It has become a focus for climate change.”

That ethos has been brought on board by volunteers: “Part of our agenda is to promote sustainability in all businesses, in all parts of our town and county. The same thing is happening across the county. That makes a difference in Tidy Towns marks, but it also makes a difference in all our lives.”