Announcements

More than 820 communities from around the country entered the Tidy Towns National Awards for 2011.

Tom Randles, president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, said the win was the accumulation of many years of work by so many people.

"Words can't describe the feeling of jubilation and pride we all are experiencing in Killarney right now having been awarded the accolade of Ireland's Tidiest Town," he said. "Through the award we can prove that the unique natural beauty of the area is matched by the love, dedication and pride everyone in Killarney has for the area."

Yvonne Quille, chair of Killarney's tidy towns committee, revealed volunteers worked every evening for the past six months, painting, planting and picking up litter.

"Last year we were pipped at the post by just one point and this year the whole community came out in amazing numbers to support the Tidy Towns drive and get Killarney well and truly over the line," she said.

Killarney also claimed the award of Ireland's Tidiest Large Town.

Elsewhere, Kilkenny City was named Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre; Lismore, Co Waterford was Ireland's Tidiest Small Town; and Emly, Co Tipperary was awarded Ireland's Tidiest Village.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan presented the prizes, worth 210,000 euro, during a ceremony in the Helix Theatre in Dublin.

"This is a fantastic achievement for Killarney, a great destination and a worthy winner," said Mr Hogan. "I continue to be impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort. These people volunteer their time and effort, year on year, in order to make their communities better places."