Michael Ring, T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development paid tribute to each of the category winners and also to the other towns that had been nominated for awards. The Minister congratulated all of the winners and nominees in this year's competition, and in particular Terryglass and Ballincollig. He said: “Being nominated for these awards represents an achievement in itself, and is reward for your efforts in the SuperValu TidyTowns and the Best Kept competitions.  After 21 years, this all-Ireland competition continues to be a strong recognition of the great pride people have in their own communities, and how local volunteers take ownership of their surroundings and work to improve them, both for now and into the future.  Well done, your communities are richer for your efforts and hard work, and I'm sure that you have great joy and pride in being here today.”

Doreen Muskett, MBE, President of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, the body that organised the Best Kept Awards, said: “The competition is designed to reward those who take great pride in their communities, those who work tirelessly to make their surroundings a nice place to work, live and play in.  My sincere congratulations to all of this year's awards recipients.  The panel of esteemed judges had a very difficult task in comparing and selecting the eventual winners, which is a testament to the stunning towns and villages that we are lucky enough to have here.  I am delighted that Broughshane and Armagh have been recognised amongst Ireland's most beautiful spots.”

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council initiated the Ireland's Best Kept Towns competition in 1995 to help raise the profile of both the TidyTowns and Northern Ireland's ‘Best Kept’ competitions, and therefore help to improve the standard of towns and villages across the island of Ireland.  All entrants were marked against strict adjudication criteria that included cleanliness, the outward appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilities and the natural environment. 

2016 ENTRANTS
Village
Terryglass, Co. Tipperary
Dromod, Co. Leitrim
Scarva, Co. Armagh

Small Town
Belmullet, Co. Mayo
Kill, Co. Kildare
Broughshane, Co. Antrim
Moira, Co. Down

Large Town
Roscommon, Co. Roscommon
Cavan, Co. Cavan
Armagh, Co. Armagh

Large Urban Centre
Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Swords, Co. Dublin
Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Derry, Co. Derry

The full results are:   
Best Village — Terryglass, County Tipperary
Best Small Tow — Broughshane, County Antrim
Best Large Town — Armagh, County Armagh
Best Large Urban Centre — Ballincollig, County Cork

Overall winner — Broughshane, County Antrim