Mullingar has dropped 15 places over the past year when it comes to tackling the town’s litter, according to the latest report on littering from Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL ) which has described the town as “moderately littered”.
The latest round of the survey placed Mullingar almost at the bottom of the list, in 38th place out of 42 towns surveyed, a huge drop from 23rd place this time last year.
The authors of the report said they would “like to see an improvement in Mullingar”, citing the bridge over the canal and its immediate environs as the most littered site, though they do not specify which bridge.
According to the survey, the bridge “was by far the most heavily littered site surveyed in Mullingar. There were heavy levels of litter along the bank and within the water - much of the litter was alcohol-related”.
It adds that an orange lifebuoy at this location had been defiled.
Food-related litter was in evidence at the green at Barracks Street and Grand Parade, while the recycle facility in Blackhall car park featured broken glass, sweet papers, and fast-food wrappers.
There was also criticism of Oliver Plunkett Street, Mount Street, and Market Square, where food-related litter was found stuffed behind street furniture, as well as cigarette butts and dog fouling.
There were positive reports, as always, for both the interior and exterior of Mullingar Railway Station, with judges describing “a very nicely presented and maintained old style station” and “a virtual absence of litter”.
“Clearly the station staff are very attentive,” added the report.
The town’s approach roads were also praised for being clean, well-maintained, and litter-free.
