The head of Limerick Council has expressed confidence Limerick can achieve regional and national success in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition.

Councillor John Gallahue made his comment after Adare was named as winner of the 'Best Kept Small Town' category in Ireland's Best Kept Towns 2008 competition.

The competition, organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, features towns that have reached the highest standards in Tidy Towns in Ireland and Best Kept Awards in Northern Ireland.

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Participants are judged on criteria such as cleanliness, the outward appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilities and the natural environment.

"I have every confidence that Adare, with the support of Limerick County Council, can once again lead the way for County Limerick in this year’s competition," said Councillor Gallahue.

Mr Gallahue stressed the importance of the work done by Limerick's Tidy Towns volunteers and the Council's ongoing commitment to providing support to community and voluntary organisations.

He said: "I believe that the Tidy Towns Competition is truly a celebration of community spirit, teamwork and an awareness of the natural environment."

The Tourism Division of Shannon Development administers and promotes the competition in the Shannon Region.

Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year and the results are announced at the National Awards Ceremony in Dublin Castle in September.

Aughrim, Co. Wicklow was named as Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2007.

(PR/JM)