Cookstown named as Ireland’s ‘Best Kept Large Town’

The town faced stiff competition from across Ireland in the annual assessment of villages, towns and urban centres carried out by an expert panels of judges for the ‘Tidy Towns’ initiative, which considers everything from cleanliness and outward appearance of buildings to public facilities and the natural environment.

Collecting the award on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council, Chair, Councillor Linda Dillon, said:“This is an all-Ireland accolade and so an enormous achievement that everyone can be proud of – local residents, local businesses, the Council and our employees.

“For our staff in particular, winning the title is a boost and well-deserved recognition of their hard work to maintain and exceed standards of cleanliness and presentation in Cookstown”.

Paul Wilson, President, Cookstown Chamber of Commerce, said: “It comes as no great surprise to me that Cookstown has won this prestigious award again.

“We are so fortunate to have excellent people keeping Cookstown at the top of its game – from the Council to local business owners and residents who have truly kept Cookstown Looking Good, Looking Great.

“The implementation and uptake of Shop Improvement Schemes and the dedication of our stakeholders to improving our town has greatly attributed to winning this award – which should give us all an immense sense of pride in our Town.

“With the imminent Town Centre Public Realm Scheme, Cookstown is set to maintain its exceptionally high standards for years to come”.

Stephen Mohan, Cuba, commented: “It is great to see that the hard work from all in our community has been rewarded. Cookstown’s accolade of Ireland’s Best Kept Large Town 2015 is the direct result of strong partnership workings, and the development of pride and ownership for a town that is a place for all to enjoy!’

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin.