Minister Dara Calleary congratulates the towns of Maynooth and Terryglass on their achievements when representing Ireland in the 2025 Entente Florale European competition
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 30 September 2025
- Last updated on: 30 September 2025
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today (Monday, 29 September 2025) congratulated the towns of Maynooth and Terryglass, together with their TidyTowns Groups, on their fantastic achievements in this year’s Entente Florale Europe competition which took place over the weekend in Velenje, Slovenia.
Terryglass (County Tipperary) and Maynooth (County Kildare) and their TidyTowns Groups received Gold Medal and Special Characteristic Awards. Maynooth was also awarded the ‘President’s Prize’ for its Climate Adapted House.
Both groups were nominated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to represent Ireland in this prestigious European environmental competition, which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Department provided funding and support to both entrants and was represented at the awards ceremony which took place in Velenje on Saturday 27th September.
Minister Calleary said:
“What a fantastic achievement this is for Ireland. My department was delighted to nominate Maynooth and Terryglass to represent Ireland in this prestigious competition. Both groups are consistent high achievers in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and have now also excelled on the European stage. This is the second year both Irish entries have been awarded Gold Medals - following on from Carlow and Ballinahown’s success in the 2024 competition.
The Minister concluded:
“I am also delighted with Entente Florale’s confirmation that Carlow Town has been selected to host the 2026 Entente Florale Europe awards in September of 2026. My department will provide funding and work closely with Carlow County Council on this exciting endeavour. We will work together and with our TidyTowns Groups to ensure the community spirit and civic pride that Ireland is renowned for is again highlighted on the international stage. We expect to welcome delegates from all participating European countries to Carlow next year.
“I am delighted to confirm that Riverstown, Co. Sligo and Blackrock, Co. Louth will represent Ireland in the 2026 competition and preparations are already underway to continue Ireland’s success.”
Notes
Entente Florale Europe - Background
Entente Florale Europe (EFE) is a Europe wide environmental awareness and sustainability competition for villages, towns, cities, communities and public bodies. It is administered by the international organization Association Européenne pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP). It raises the awareness of the importance of the green environment to the quality of living in participating communities, in residential, urban and industrial areas. The competition has been in existence since 1975 and Entente Florale Europe is celebrating its 50th jubilee this year.
The present membership is five countries - Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary and Ireland. Latvia, Italy, and Spain are joining the competition in 2026. More information can be found on http://www.entente-florale.eu/.
Ireland and Entente Florale Europe
Ireland has been entering since 1981, and 84 towns/villages have participated in this competition. Towns and Villages are nominated annually by DRCDG from the SuperValu TidyTowns competition entries. Ireland has enjoyed great success in this competition, with the community effort and involvement very highly regarded by our European counterparts.
In 2026, Ireland will assume the presidency of Entente Florale Europe, with Dr. Christy Boylan, current EFE jury member and TidyTowns adjudicator, taking on the role of President for a 2-year term. The current secretary of Entente Florale Europe, Bill Kearney is an EFE mentor and TidyTowns adjudicator.