Irish towns and cities have reached record levels of cleanliness, according to a new survey commissioned by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). In association with An Taisce, the report highlights how out of the 42 towns and cities monitored, three-quarters of them are deemed to be cleaner than, or as clean as, European standards.
Significant results this year include the addition of Dublin City, Cork City and the roads to Dublin Airport as areas that comply with European norms for the first time. Dublin City, in particular, has had major improvements this year, moving from 37th place in 2012 with a description of “Moderately Littered” to 14th place in 2013 with a description of “Cleaner than European Norms”.
As well as monitoring the general streetscape of towns and cities, litter inspectors carried out specific surveys of recycling facilities, hotels and sports facilities.
Combining all categories together, Cavan came out on top as Ireland’s most litter-free town, just ahead of last year’s winner Kilkenny. Cavan’s three hotels received top scores, a notable aspect in securing the No.1 spot.
A full breakdown of the 2013 IBAL Anti Litter League – First Round Results can be found here.
Set up in 1996, Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity – notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment – is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment. In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and An Taisce, it monitors the cleanliness of towns with a population of 6,000 and over in accordance with international grading standards.
