Athlone’s ‘clean’ status according to the latest IBAL report was welcomed by councillors this week, who attributed the improvement in ranking in recent years to the efforts of Athlone Tidy Towns.
Athlone has climbed the rankings in the Irish Businesses Against Litter survey for the past three years. In 2009 Athlone was identified as a ‘litter blackspot’, taking bottom place of the 60 towns surveyed. Seven reports later the town is now described as ‘clean to European norms’, and comes in 26th place of 42 towns and cities surveyed.
“Athlone is now on a continuously improving trajectory in IBAL’s litter results for the past three years and again in the final 2012 report,” said Cllr Alan Shaw.
“Since that time, Athlone Town Council has been at the forefront of investment in litter management and has embraced a strong partnership approach with Athlone Tidy Towns committee.”
This week’s town council budget revealed that the council is to invest €140,000 into Tidy Towns for 2013, an increase of €25,000 on last year’s figure.
The IBAL report on Athlone, published earlier this week, revealed litter-free sites and top-ranking approach roads. The IDA industrial estate was described as “nicely laid out and maintained”, while the AIT campus was “in good order and clear of litter”.
There was a “virtual absence of litter” on the bypass, while the Coosan and exit 8 approach roads were also well maintained. The judges found the Coosan approach road to be “immaculate”. Litter was not an issue on Main Street or in Glen Abhainn Village either, though there was some criticism of litter outside McDonalds at the N6 centre and in the Lidl carpark.
In spite of the overwhelmingly positive report, however, speaking at Tuesday’s budget meeting Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said he “couldn’t give a hoot about IBAL”.
“It’s not about points, it’s about making the town better,” he commented.
