Skerries in Co Dublin has been named Ireland’s tidiest town for 2016 at an awards ceremony in DCU.

The seaside town beat off the 858 other towns and villages that entered this year’s SuperValu National Tidy Towns competition.

Birdhill in Co Tipperary took the title for tidiest village, while Listowel in Co Kerry was named tidiest small town for the second year in a row.

Ennis in Co Clare won the award for tidiest large urban centre. 

Entrants are judged every year under eight categories, including community involvement, landscaping, litter control and sustainable waste. 

This is the first time Skerries has clinched the overall prize, having first entered the competition in 1959.

Minister Michael Ring described the achievement as evidence of its "consistently achieving high standards in the competition at local and regional level".

"This much sought after award is recognition of a town that embraces all aspects of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, builds strong community links and has grown each year in the competition," he said. 

"My congratulations to Skerries and all of the other deserving prize winners announced today.

"The enthusiasm of all those involved in the effort results in the attractive, well cared-for towns and villages we see throughout the country. 

"How a community lives together, strives to involve all of its members and makes the most of their abilities and interests is integral to the ethos of Tidy Towns."