RONAN FAGAN
As Athlone strives to attain future city status, further positive news originated this week, the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL ) survey noting that the evolving town continues to boast a ‘Clean to European norms’ status.
The revealed results complements developments within the town during 2021, most notably the realisation of university status for Athlone upon the unveiling of TUS:Midlands Midwest and the turning of the sod to signify the imminent start of construction on the cycleway bridge to cross the River Shannon in the heart of the town.
The final survey of 2021 conducted by business group IBAL noted that Athlone achieved the ‘top litter grade’ with specific areas of the town praised for their cleanliness.
The An Taisce report for Athlone noted that over half of the sites surveyed were exceptionally well presented. However, at one prominent urban amenity site ‘significant dumping’ had taken place.
‘Well over half of the sites surveyed in Athlone got the top litter grade – examples of these included Golden Island Shopping Centre, the main shopping street, Athlone Training Centre and Athlone Castle – the exterior of the latter was exceptionally well presented and maintained.
‘At the opposite end of the spectrum was the Golden Island (Athlone ) Civic Amenity Site – this ‘managed’ facility wasn’t just casually littered but significant dumping had taken place. It didn’t get into this stage over night and there was no change since it was surveyed earlier in 2021.’
Affording his thoughts following the IBAL result confirmation, Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, noted that there were regular inconsistencies with regard to the report outcome.
“I struggle to understand the IBAL report - year on year there is huge fluctuation from town to town within the rankings, which makes it not only hard to follow but also suggests it lacks consistency and even credibility.
“For example, Naas gain the top spot this year, and congratulations to them - however, they didn’t feature in the the top 40 positions last year! The level of reporting made available from IBAL following the assessment process is very very limited and in my view, without a full detailed assessment and subsequent report we have nothing meaningful upon which to go.
“Compared to the forensic and comprehensive methodology and reporting of the National Tidy Towns system, the IBAL seems to be a ‘mixed-bag’ approach. I can only assume from the information provided by IBAL that their assessment is nothing more than a ‘drive-through’ or a ‘snap-shot’ in time.
“Having detailed such issues, I do agree with the one item of criticism arising from this IBAL report today in relation to Athlone, that being the problematic nature of our managed civic amenity site in Golden Island.
“Individuals regularly bring their household waste and dump it around the perimeter of the facility after closing time. In fairness, this is a problem identified by IBAL in the past and clearly the lack of action in this area has resulted in a downgrading of the town’s position for 2021 to 18th place from an 11th position in 2020. I will be addressing this matter with the council at our monthly meeting next week, it must be dealt with once and for all.
“In stark contrast to this IBAL 18th place ranking for Athlone, people should be reminded that only a few short months ago Athlone successfully achieved the Gold Medal award at the National Tidy Towns Competition.
“So, while we would like to be placed higher in the IBAL table, I am satisfied that despite this report, our standards are in fact as high as they have ever been.
“Even when we were riding high in past IBAL tables, I took that sudden elevation at the time with a pinch of salt. I can assure you, this blip won’t deter the work of our outdoor staff in the council, Athlone Tidy Towns or the many volunteers who are working away every week to keep their areas clean.
“I would like to thank them all for the amazing work they do. In 2022, 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.
PPE litter on the increase
The report showed PPE litter at record levels, with an increase in the presence of both masks and gloves.
“It would appear that this litter is accumulating as the pandemic continues, as there remains an understandable reticence to pick up other people’s PPE.
“The disposable blue face mask has become a ubiquitous part of the landscape up and down the country. People have not moved to reusable masks and people are not taking care of their masks.”
International research has found PPE litter accounting for as much as five percent of all litter, and likely to have “a devastating, lasting effect on the environment”. Mask use is forecast to remain high into 2022.
There was a significant rise in other pandemic-related litter, such as coffee cups, while alcohol-related litter remained at previous levels despite hospitality reopening and the survey being conducted in winter.
