Mixed results in litter survey

THERE were mixed results for local areas when the final standings of the 2015 Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) litter survey were announced last week. 

Swords and the Dublin Airport Environs both performed very well, finishing in the ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ and ‘Clean to European Norms’ categories respectively.  

However, the North Inner City and Dublin City ended the year in the ‘Littered’ and ‘Moderately Littered’ categories respectively.

An Taisce, on behalf of IBAL, carried out the survey of 40 towns nationwide.   

According to the report, Swords Main Street looked particularly well with an abundance of flower boxes/baskets adding a splash of colour.  

Fingal County Council’s recycling facility was also given a special mention after being deemed to be in very good order.

An Taisce said there was a huge improvement at the Dublin Airport Environs sites. 

“Given their visibility to visitors to Ireland, these roads need to be maintained to this standard all the time,” the report said.

“The overall presentation of the roads surrounding Dublin Airport were much fresher in appearance.”

An Taisce said it was pleased that Dublin City bounced back after a disappointing result in the previous survey. 

“It was pleasing to note that O’Connell Street and Grafton Street were once again litter-free,” it said.

“Dublin City Council needs to ensure these key areas of the city are clean all year round. 

“D’Olier Street and College Green were moderately littered, while St Mary’s Place and Hendrick Lane were litter blackspots.”

Lastly, An Taisce said the improvement in the North Inner City earlier in the year was maintained, but said the area remains well short of ‘Clean to European Norms’ status. 

“The number of heavily littered sites has been reduced further, which is promising, with Gardiner Street Business Park and Rutland Street Lower the only litter blackspots,” it said.  

“With more effort the many moderately littered sites could become litter-free.”

Fingal County Council said it was delighted with the results for Swords and the Dublin Airport Environs.

It said it recognises the importance of maintenance of the Dublin Airport and Swords areas as a key factor in maintaining and growing tourism in Fingal, and as a driver of economic development, delivering income, business enterprises and jobs.

“Our operational staff have continued to maintain the transport routes to and from the airport and environs to a very high standard, with all areas inspected being marked as litter free, and well presented,” said a council spokesperson.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said: “I am delighted to see the results of the IBAL survey, which recognises the great work being done in Fingal by staff and stakeholders alike, and allows us to continue to market Fingal as a high quality tourism destination.”

Up to half a billion euro per year is spent by visitors to Fingal. This in turn supports an estimated one in four jobs the county.