Aughrim named as Ireland's Tidiest Town

Aughrim in Co Wicklow was today named Ireland's tidiest town.

Going one better than last year, the charming village beat off stiff competition from 800 others to claim the prestigious award.

In 2006 Aughrim won the Tidiest Small Town prize and the coveted gold award at the international 'Entente-Florale' competition and it has held the county title for the last 11 years.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley praised all those who took part in the competition.

"This event is well-deserved recognition of the hard work and effort expended by ordinary people, contributing to their communities, out of a sense of place, and pride in those communities," he said.

The Aughrim Tidy Towns Committee received a perpetual trophy and a cheque for €15,000 for the prize.

Other winners included Birdhill, Co Tipperary - Ireland's Tidiest Village for the second time in a row; Killarney, Co Kerry which received the Tidiest Large Town award and Letterkenny Co Donegal was named the Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Aughrim also won the small town competition.

Other awards included a Notice Nature Biodiversity Award won by Mulranny, Co Mayo; a Gum Litter Taskforce Award won by the Carlow Tidy Towns Committee; and a Building a Bilingual Society Award, sponsored by Foras Na Gaeilge and won by Westport, Co Mayo.