Limerick Going for Gold 2025 launches with over €180,000 in prizes up for grabs!

“GOING for Gold is about so much more than prizes. It’s about people.”

That’s according to Cllr Jerome Scanlon, who launched Limerick Going for Gold 2025 at the Desmond Complex and Castle Demesne Park in Newcastle West.

This year, over €180,000 in prize funds and grant assistance are available to local communities across the city and county.

Now in its 15th year, the annual competition, run by Limerick City and County Council and proudly sponsored by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, continues to grow in scale and impact. 

The initiative encourages communities to come together to enhance their local environment, promote sustainability, and improve biodiversity.

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This year’s competition offers a top prize of €10,000, with additional awards of €7,000 and €5,000 across various categories. 

In addition, nearly €70,000 in grant funding will be distributed to community groups undertaking projects focused on biodiversity, nature conservation, circular economy, and sustainable living. Grant amounts range from €200 to €3,000.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Jerome Scanlon, deputising for the Mayor of Limerick, said: “Going for Gold is about so much more than prizes. It’s about people. 

“It’s about neighbours coming together to plant pollinator-friendly gardens, to reduce waste, to reuse creatively, and to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. It’s about learning from one another, sharing ideas, and creating lasting change.”

Gerry Boland of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation added:“Each year, we’re inspired by the creativity, commitment, and community spirit shown by the groups who take part in Limerick Going for Gold. 2025 marks another exciting chapter in this journey—one where local action meets global ambition. 

“Whether it’s through pollinator planting, waste reduction, or reimagining public spaces, these efforts are shaping a greener, more connected Limerick. We’re proud to support this initiative that empowers people to make a lasting difference.”

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Categories for 2025 include: Tidy Towns, for groups entered in the 2025 National Tidy Towns Competition, Limerick Bee Friendly in Bloom, open to all Tidy Towns groups, including those not entered in the national competition, Residential Areas – for estates and residential groups, including those  who applied for the 2025 Environment Improvement Grant.  

Additionally, there is an Endeavour Award, awarded to the most improved Limerick entrant in the National Tidy Towns Competition and a Reuse Award (Circular Economy), recognising groups that prevent waste through innovative reuse initiatives.

Judging will focus on a wide range of criteria including biodiversity, pollinator and vegetable planting, sustainability, use of recycled materials, waste prevention, circular economy practices, litter control, and the overall upkeep and impression of green spaces.