Enniskillen has been crowned the overall winner of Ireland's 'Best Kept Town Competition'.

The Republic of Ireland's Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, today (June 21) congratulated Enniskillen as worthy winners of Ireland’s Best Kept Town 2022 Competition, following an awards ceremony in The Titanic Hotel, Belfast.

At the ceremony, Enniskillen was recognised as the overall winner of the competition and also received an award for 'Best Kept Large Town'.

Speaking after the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “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.

"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.”

The Minister continued: “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.

"Being nominated for these awards represents an achievement in itself, and is recognition of the efforts made by volunteers and local communities in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and the Best Kept competition in Northern Ireland.”

Doreen Muskett, 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.”