Fantastic news as Longford TidyTowns groups insurance costs covered

County Longford tidy towns groups, who are eligible, are set to benefit by receiving insurance cover from the State's own insurance arm, which will be paid for by the local authority.

The Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Tidy Towns insurance scheme, a new community insurance initiative, was rolled out last February.

The scheme is a partnership between local authorities and the IPB and local authorities that are registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN).

READ NEXT: Longford man who was highly intoxicated and hostile 'knows he has stay off the drink'

John Brannigan, the Economic Development Director of Services, provided an update to county councillors on tidy towns group insurance at the recent April meeting of the local authority.

He described it as a "really a good news story" for tidy towns groups in the region.

"Longford County Council since the 1st of April have been without an active insurance policy.

READ NEXT: PICTURES | Easter Bunny gets up to plenty of mischief at north Longford artisan food and craft fair

"This insurance policy will allow medium and eligible tidy towns groups to be able to avail of insurance from IPB (Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurance) that enable groups who meet the criteria and eligibility.

"It has to be a tidy towns group in the locality, it has to be here in county Longford and they have to be registered with the PPN.

"Longford County Council will write out to the chairs in each of those identified 18 (groups) first of all and give information on what coverage is there and it's envisaged that this council will give from the the General Municipal Allocation (GMA)."

Mr Brannigan added.

The GMA is a discretionary funding pot allocated by the chief executive to municipal districts, with councillors deciding how to spend it.

Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross agreed it was a "fantastic" news story.

"We all know the great work tidy towns groups do and I think it's a fantastic gesture on your behalf to acknowledge that all of these community and voluntary groups who are fundraising for everything will be covered by insurance.

Cllr Ross said it was reassuring for tidy town groups to have cover for potential injury at events or fundraisers, damage to property, equipment or theft of equipment.

"It's very comforting as we know some groups would struggle to pay the insurance and it's fantastic there is cover now so well done on that," he added.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Mick Cahill also welcomed the initiative.

"I think it is fantastic and it is a great show of support for our tidy towns groups who do so much valuable work in our communities."

Cllr Pat O'Toole also acknowledged the positive work and he asked if there would be a fee for tidy towns groups?

Mr Brannigan confirmed the costs would be covered by the local authority.