Community collaboration behind Tidy Towns success in Westport

WESTPORT Tidy Towns, committed to enhancing the beauty and sustainability of the town, has achieved remarkable success again this year, success earned through the unwavering support of the local community and dedicated funding from local councillors.

In a journey that exemplifies the strength of community, Westport Tidy Towns, led by a passionate team of volunteers, joined forces with South West Mayo Development Co., through the RSS and TUS schemes, local community organisations and supported by GMA funding from local councillors, have maintained the town as a vibrant, clean and eco-friendly haven. Their dedication to making Westport a better place to live and visit continues to bear significant fruit.

The key highlights of their success include:

1. Renewed aesthetics: Westport Tidy Towns' beautification initiatives have led to the revitalisation of public spaces, including carparks, streets and the greenway shelters.

Vibrant floral displays, murals, orchard planting, together with the award-winning landscaping from town gardener Sean McLaughlin and his team, continue to create an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

2. Environmental sustainability: Environmental projects initiated by Westport Tidy Towns, such as tree planting and litter reduction programmes, have helped preserve the natural beauty of the area, and Westport's commitment to sustainability was noted in the adjudication report.

3. Community engagement: The support of local businesses, schools and individuals has been instrumental in the success of Westport Tidy Towns.

Countless volunteers have participated in clean-ups, community gardens, biodiversity projects and various initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of civic pride.

4. Securing funding: The collaborative efforts with local councillors and authorities have resulted in the securing of vital funding for 2023, enabling Westport Tidy Towns to expand its impact. However, in order to maintain standards and create and develop new projects, increased financial support is essential.

Eithne Larkin, spokesperson for Westport Tidy Towns, expressed her gratitude for the willingness of the community and local representatives to work together.

She stated: “Our success is a testament to the power of community collaboration.

“We've witnessed first-hand the positive change that can happen when individuals, businesses and local representatives work together towards a shared vision.”

The success of Westport Tidy Towns serves as an inspiration for other communities to initiate similar projects and collaborations that foster environmental sustainability and community well-being.

As Westport continues to flourish, the organisation looks forward to building on their accomplishments and embracing even more ambitious goals for the future.