Enniskillen has been named as the overall winner of the Best Kept Town in Ireland following an awards ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast.
The competition, run by the Department of Rural and Community Development of the Irish government, returned in 2022 after it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Co Fermanagh town beat off stiff competition from large towns throughout Ireland to win the award.
Meanwhile, Lisburn was named as the Best Kept Urban Centre as part of the awards. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, congratulated Enniskillen as worthy winners of Ireland’s Best Kept Town.
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The judges noted the strong presence of civic pride apparent across the town of Enniskillen, adding that: “Enniskillen is a most attractive town and has managed to combine its location on the river Erne with an ability to maintain and enhance its many historical features”.
“I want to congratulate all of the winners and nominees in the all-island Best Kept Town competition. In particular I would like to congratulate Enniskillen , Inistioge, Abbeyleix and Lisburn for winning awards in their respective categories,” Minister Humphreys said.
“The All-island Best Kept Town Competition recognises the great pride people have in their own communities all across the island. Set up in 1995, this year we celebrate its 25th anniversary of cross border collaboration, partnership, and most importantly, friendship.
“Unfortunately, the competition did not proceed in 2020 or in 2021 as a result of the pandemic. However, that did not stop the tremendous effort put in by community groups across the island.
"Even during lockdown, towns and villages were maintained and volunteers all across the island continued to put in a huge effort on behalf of the places where they live."
Doreen Muskett MBE, President of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, which organises the Best Kept Awards, said: “Throughout the pandemic thousands of volunteers and gardening enthusiasts kept our towns, villages and the country looking its best.
"These awards illustrate and emphasise how much voluntary work is undertaken to keep our Towns and Villages throughout Ireland beautiful and how the community works together to make where they live desirable.
"These awards create links between community involvement, our natural environment and our wellbeing, helping us to recognise the value of our biodiversity and coming together to play our part in making our own parts of the country places we are proud to call home.”
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