Tidy Towns groups across the country will no longer have to pay for insurance, as part of a new agreement between local authorities and Irish Public Bodies Insurance.
It is hoped the move will ease the financial and administrative burden on groups across the country who rely on volunteers and local authority supports.
There are over 1,000 Tidy Towns groups nationwide who will benefit from this initiative.
"We are delighted to now be in a position to work with IPB Insurance to extend a master Tidy Towns insurance policy to cover groups carrying out local authority-supported Tidy Towns activities," said Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Anna Marie Delaney.
"This will eliminate the administrative burden on groups to provide evidence of insurance before grants are awarded," she said.
IPB Insurance was created by Ireland's local authorities in 1926, as a mutually-owned insurer.
It underwrites major liability, property and motor risks for public sector bodies and agencies and for complementary markets in the semi-state and private sectors.
"As a mutual insurer, we believe in the strength of the collective and working together," said Chair of IPB Insurance John Hogan.
"This initiative demonstrates the benefits of collaboration to address insurance challenges that make a meaningful difference for our members and their communities," he added.
Welcoming the initiative, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Insurance Robert Troy said this will enable Tidy Towns groups to continue their vital work, bringing benefits to the community and the country as a whole.
