According to the latest nationwide survey by Irish Business Against Litter Castlebar came fourth out of 42 towns for being cleaner than European norms. Ballina also fared well, coming in ninth.
The survey found that in Castlebar nine out of 10 sites surveyed got the top cleanliness grade. “It was one of four towns to achieve this excellent result. What sets Castlebar and other top ranking tops apart is not just the lack of litter but the way in which the environment is presented and maintained. Some neglected buildings on Ellison Street were the only blemish.”
As for Ballina, it’s the best result since IBAL Anti-Litter League began 11 years ago. “Eight out of the ten sites surveyed got the top litter grade. The train station and all four approach roads set a very high standard. In the majority of the sites it wasn’t just the lack of litter but the overall presentation and maintenance of the sites eg St Oliver Plunkett School, St Mary’s Secondary School and Amana residential estate.”
Dr Tom Cavanagh, chairman of IBAL, said: “The overall result here is hugely positive, with 43 per cent of our towns and cities cleaner than the European average – something we could not have dared to hope for just a few years back. Certain strategically important areas, particularly around Dublin and Cork, need to be tackled to complete the job, as the negative impression they leave risks undoing much of the good work elsewhere around the country.”
