Tidy Towns 2001 gets under way in Dublin

Described as "unique and precious", the Tidy Towns 2001 competition was launched this afternoon by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey.

Kenmare, Co Kerry, which won the title of Ireland's tidiest town in 2000.

Speaking in Temple Bar, Dublin, Mr Dempsey said the 50-year-old event had made a real impact on the vibrancy and prosperity of many Irish towns.

More than 700 communities regularly enter the competition run by the Department of the Environment and Local Government with SuperValu as the principle sponsor.

Entries for this year's competition will be accepted until April 27th and further information is available from Planning and Development section of the Department at Tidy Towns, or at (01) 8882300.