RONAN FAGAN
Deemed ‘clean to European norms’, Athlone has attained 16th place in the final Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL ) survey of 2022, the results of which were released this week.
Athlone achieved a merited fourth place berth in the previous IBAL survey conducted during the summer of last year, but on this occasion the town recorded fewer grade A sites than during that particular litter review.
The An Taisce report for Athlone stated:
Athlone recorded fewer grade A sites than last time round in what was nonetheless a strong performance. Top-ranking sites included Arcadia Retail Park (an exceptionally clean and well-presented environment ) and Athlone Civic Centre / Library (attractively presented with lovely paving, visitor information signage, bicycle parking, 1916 memorial etc. ) and a couple of the approach routes. By far the most heavily littered site was Shannon Bank Nature Trail - (between Talbot Avenue and College Park ): some parts were fine with regard to litter but there was evidence of burnt items and dumping. The Golden Island / Civic Amenity Recycle Centre was certainly better than in previous IBAL surveys.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Athlone Tidy Towns chairperson, Mr Gerry Johnson stated that while he was happy with the result, he acknowledged that there was much work to be done to ensure a return to the top 10 of the anti-litter league table.
“From the report extract it is disappointing to read that a section of the Shannon Banks Nature Trail area was identified as unsightly, despite the hard work of the Canal Committee to maintain the waterway as a local amenity and have rightly been praised for doing so.
“The area in proximity to the Civic Amenity Recycling Centre was referenced and since the previous IBAL report, a major clean up was conducted by the staff of the Municipal District to improve its environs and it is reflected positively in the report.
“The majority of litter on the approach roads is litter picked by our volunteers and it is good to see that this work is reflected in the report, Arcadia Retail Centre being a great example of good litter management and the groundwork as regards presentation is excellent.
“Overall, we are happy with the result but there is much work to be done to return to the top ten spot in table,” Mr Johnson said.
Flawed System - Cathaoirleach
Noting that the twice yearly IBAL reports gave regular cause for position fluctuations on the anti-litter league table, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated that the system used to discern the survey outcome was not as thorough as that used by the national tidy towns committee.
“I struggle to understand the IBAL report. There is always a huge fluctuation from town to town within the rankings, which makes it not only hard to follow but also suggests that their assessment and adjudication process is hit and miss.
“Even when we achieved second place in 2020 I pointed out that the level of reporting made available from IBAL following the assessment process is very limited and is therefore of little assistance. In my view, without a full detailed assessment and subsequent report we have nothing meaningful to go on - good or bad.
“Compared to the forensic and comprehensive methodology and reporting of the National Tidy Towns system, the IBAL seems to be a ‘hit and miss’ approach. I can only assume from the limited information provided by IBAL that their assessment technique is nothing more than a ‘drive-through’ snapshot.
“I’m disappointed to see that IBAL mention our canal as a ‘littered site’. The canal restoration team have our canal area in great condition. Perhaps the IBAL assessment happened upon a single case of littering on one particular day, which is unfortunate, but is by no means a fair reflection of the condition of our canal.
“I’m also disappointed that IBAL mentioned Talbot Avenue, a residential area that prides itself on presentation and is an example for all estates when it comes to cleanliness and pride. I’d invite IBAL to return to Athlone to walk the canal and Talbot Avenue with me.
“In stark contrast to our IBAL 16th place ranking, people should be reminded that only a few short months ago Athlone successfully achieved the Gold Medal award at the National Tidy Towns competition for the second year in a row.
“I want to yet again compliment the work of our outdoor staff in the council, Athlone Tidy Towns and the many volunteers who are working away every week to keep our town clean and well presented. In 2023, we need to all redouble our efforts to ensure Athlone retains our Gold Medal national Tidy Towns standard, let this be our focus going forward,” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
