County Cork Communities Recognised for Tackling Litter

Communities and volunteers from across Cork County were recognised at Cork County Hall on Monday, 28 September, for the Anti-Litter Challenge awards. In 2026, a total of 64 villages and 19 towns took part in the annual competition.

The Anti-Litter Challenge has been organised by Cork County Council since the mid-1990s and encourages towns and villages to reduce litter in their communities. Neighbouring towns and villages compete to achieve the highest scores in terms of litter prevention. Tidy Towns groups, Community Councils and Residents Associations join the challenge every year.

Judges visited each location over a six-week period in early summer and scored each town and village based on the absence of litter. Scores are tallied at the end of judging to give an overall ranking. One noticeable trend has been higher scores in successive years, meaning that standards are improving year on year.

Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of Cork County:

"It is important and appropriate that we bring communities together to recognise the work they do in tackling litter. The positive energy and enthusiasm shown by local groups is inspiring, and the Anti-Litter Challenge epitomises the very best of community spirit. The real success of this competition is that our towns and villages are cleaner as a result and this delivers environmental, social and economic benefits for everyone."

Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council:

"The Anti-Litter Challenge is built on a strong partnership between Cork County Council and local communities. I would like to thank all of the groups involved for their hard work and dedication, which is matched by organisational and financial support provided by Cork County Council. Tonight is about shining a spotlight on the great work that takes place week in, week out to keep our communities clean."

In Towns Category A, Dunmanway took first place, followed by Millstreet in second and Kanturk in third. In Towns Category B, Kinsale placed first, ahead of Crosshaven in second and Schull in third.

In Towns Category C, Newmarket finished first, with Bandon in second and Clonakilty in third. Newmarket also took the Most Improved Town award.

The County Final winners were Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary) in the Large Villages category and Lislevane in the Small Villages category.

For further information, contact the Planning & Environment Directorate, Cork County Council, by emailing LitterChallenge@CorkCoCo.ie.