'The impact is incredible': Record volunteer numbers expected for annual Team Limerick Clean-Up

THOUSANDS of volunteers are expected to take to the streets of Limerick today for the 11th annual Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC) the largest of its kind in Ireland.

TLC is back with a record-breaking 24,000 volunteers taking part in Europe’s largest one-day clean-up on Friday.

TLC co-founders JP McManus, Paul O’Connell and Helen O’Donnell will launch activities for the event on Good Friday at the Mick Mackey Statue, Castleconnell village. Volunteers will be preparing for their clean-up, musical performances, and co-founders will meet local volunteers.

A record-breaking 24,000 volunteers registered around Limerick city and county for this year’s event. With 94 schools, 42 Tidy Towns groups, and 48 sports clubs, this year’s event is promised to be a huge success with over 400 groups spread across the city and county. 

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TLC Founders JP McManus, Helen O’Donnell, and Paul O’Connell said: 

“We are delighted to be celebrating a new decade of Team Limerick Clean-Up this Good Friday. Last year was a tremendous success as we celebrated our 10-year milestone, and seeing our numbers rise again this year is very encouraging. We have had an increase in schools, sport groups, and Tidy Towns groups this year which is very positive. We're very proud of how TLC has evolved over the last decade, and that comes down to the commitment, support, and pride of our wonderful volunteers. We hope everyone has a fun and safe day!”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran added: “Team Limerick Clean-up continues to showcase the very best of Limerick. We shouldn’t forget that everything that happened today across the length and breadth of Limerick is powered by the extraordinary volunteers who give their time and energy to take such pride in their communities.

"It is heartening to see the same, if not greater enthusiasm for the thousands of people getting up and out on Good Friday as there was for the first event back in 2015. I am immensely proud of everyone involved and want to let all Limerick people know that we are building a cleaner, stronger, more connected Limerick. Today embodies the progress we’re making on that journey.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery said: “Team Limerick Clean-Up is something I look forward to every single year. There’s nothing quite like putting on the high-vis vest, heading out into the community, and working side by side with neighbours and volunteers who all share that same civic pride. It’s such a simple idea, but the impact is incredible.”

Director General of Limerick Council, Dr Pat Daly commented:

“Limerick City and County Council is delighted to once again support Team Limerick Clean-Up which has grown into a flagship environmental initiative for the whole county. The positive impact of removing tonnes of litter each year is significant, but equally important is the awareness and sense of pride it fosters in communities.”

This year marks a new decade for TLC and in collaboration with Bus Éireann, organisers have been encouraging volunteers to ‘Get on Board.’

TLC has seen over 500 tonnes of litter gathered from the streets by volunteers and event partner, Mr. Binman, since its inception in 2015.

Overall participation figures are over the 100,000-mark and include volunteers from all walks of life from schools, colleges and GAA clubs, to Munster Rugby, community, residential groups, businesses, charities, nursing homes and well-known faces locally.

Sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick Council, over 23,500 volunteers took part in Team Limerick Cleanup 2025 which was spread over 547 groups all over Limerick city and Limerick county including 89 schools.