The first nationwide survey by Irish Business Against Litter of rivers, beaches, and harbours has revealed Salthill to be 'Clean to European Norms', but the River Shannon at Portumna ‘heavily littered’, and Loughrea, Kinvara, and the River Corrib in Galway city, ‘moderately littered’.
The study was carried out for IBAL by An Taisce.
The report for Salthill stated the beach, water and environs were very clean. “Opportunities were provided for recycling, dog fouling, cigarette butts, and regular bins - they were located beside each other, helping ease of use. Heavy usage on visits due to particularly good weather. There was a virtual absence of litter throughout the beach, promenade area, changing area, parking and grass area. the beach, water and environs were very clean.”
The Portumna report stated that the Waterways Ireland site beside the bridge was very clean.
“ The Emerald Star site had large accumulations of litter - much of it was 'long-lie'. Within the survey area there was also some marine litter from boats (rope and pieces of wood ) and debris (equipment and materials ) from a derelict construction site. There was some white plastic in the vicinity of upturned green boats.”
The Kinvara report noted: “The water was relatively clean with regard to typical litter but there were traces of oil. The pier was very clean (except for traces of cigarette butts ). Some household garbage had been discarded behind an overturned boat on the pier.”
The report on the River Corrib said the water "was very clean, as was the grassy area adjacent", however, the river adjacent to the Corrib itself "was somewhat littered" with cans, plastic bottles and food wrappers. Loughrea was found to be "a well maintained site". The report read: "The water was clear but there was some litter on the ground in the area immediately surrounding the water - sweet papers, food wrappers, plastic bags and cigarette butts.”
