TidyTowns Success For Ennis

Ennis was chosen from scores of competitors in the annual competition. Other winners included Emly, Co. Tipperary (Overall winner); Aughrim, Co. Wicklow (Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town); and Westport, Co. Mayo (Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town).

29 towns and villages from every corner of Clare took part in this year’s competition. They included Ballynacally, Ballyvaughan, Bodyke, Bridgetown, Carrigaholt, Connolly, Cranny, Doonbeg, Ennis, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilkee, Killaloe, Killimer, Kilmihil, Kilrush, Knock, Labasheeda, Lissycasey, Mountshannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ogonnelloe, Quin, Ruan, Scariff, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Tuamgraney and Tulla (individual adjudication reports may be downloaded from www.tidytowns.ie).

Commenting on Clare’s participation in this year’s competition, Minister of State Killeen, said: "The standards in County Clare were extremely high again this year and I am delighted to see that our County Capital received national recognition. The retention of the Tidiest Large Urban Centre award is a testament to the efforts of the Ennis TidyTowns Committee."

The Junior Agriculture Minister said the achievement could not have been accomplished without the support of the wider community.

"TidyTowns provides members of the local community with the opportunity to show their pride in their respective towns and villages. It is evident from Ennis’ outstanding success in this year’s competition that the spirit of volunteerism and pride of place is very much alive in this County.

"I would like to congratulate all participants from Clare who have done their County proud. There was unprecedented interest in Tidy Towns this year, and I would urge everyone to participate in 2010", concluded Minister of State Killeen.

The Tidy Towns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and sponsored by SuperValu. SuperValu, and its 180 plus storeowners around the country, have sponsored the National Tidy Towns competition since 1992. Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year.

Full details of all this year’s winners are available at www.tidytowns.ie.


-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- High-resolution images of Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR at media@dunphypr.com or 086-8534900