ABOUT
About Us
Founded in 1965 by a small group of passionate local residents, Ballincollig Tidy Towns has grown into a vibrant community organisation at the heart of life in Ballincollig.
Our Tidy Towns initiative is underpinned by a strong core committee, supported by an impressive network of dedicated volunteers, reflecting the deep and sustained commitment of our wider community.
More than 100 volunteers, representing multiple nationalities, give their time throughout the year to help keep “The Village” clean, green, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Together, we work to protect and enhance Ballincollig for current and future generations.
Our Approach
We are committed to improving Ballincollig through community involvement, civic pride, and partnership. By bringing together all that is good in our community, we aim to make Ballincollig one of Ireland’s most liveable, beautiful, and environmentally responsible places, both now and for future generations.
Community
Everything we do is in service of the people who live and work in Ballincollig.
Inclusivity
We welcome volunteers and supporters of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Partnership
We work collaboratively with Cork City Council, local businesses, schools, and community groups.
Sustainability
We commit to environmentally responsible practices in all our activities.
Our Awards
The highest honour in the Tidy Towns calendar - Ireland’s Tidiest Town - is announced at a national awards ceremony that takes place in the autumn. Ballincollig currently participates in the category of Large Urban Centre for populations of 15,001 to 25,000.
Ballincollig has been awarded consecutive Gold Medals since 2012. In 2023 and 2024 Ballincollig was awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre. In 2024 was also announced the overall competition winner, Ireland’s Tidiest Town.
National Tidy Towns Competition
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is a nationwide initiative run annually by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with support from title sponsor SuperValu and various partner organisations.
Each year, communities across Ireland take part by showcasing efforts to enhance their local environment. Entries are evaluated across a wide range of categories, with awards presented to those demonstrating outstanding commitment and results.
For many communities, the competition serves as a catalyst to spark environmental awareness and engagement. It provides a valuable framework for raising local issues and working collaboratively with relevant authorities. Over time, consistent participation and feedback help towns and villages improve their standards, making them strong contenders for top awards. Ultimately, TidyTowns is more than a competition - it is a long-term development programme that empowers communities to thrive.
About Our Work
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has eight categories in which towns and villages around Ireland are judged and awarded points.
Each of these categories provide a great guide to what it takes to make a locality great, covering every aspect from community, sustainability, nature and beyond.
The work carried out by Ballincollig Tidy Towns, therefore, aligns with these categories in order to ensure that every task we undertake benefits our town.
About Ballincollig
Ballincollig, on the western edge of Cork in the Lee Valley, has grown from a historic village into a vibrant and welcoming community known locally as “The Village.” Part of Cork City since 2019, it offers a strong mix of shops, services, clubs, and activities while maintaining a proud sense of heritage and community spirit.
At its heart is the Regional Park Ballincollig, an important civic amenity with sports pitches, a skate park, picnic areas, woodland trails, and river walks, providing space for families and locals to relax, play, and enjoy nature.
The park also has historical significance as a National Monument, centred on the former Gunpowder Mills, and supports rich wildlife habitats along the River Lee floodplain.
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