Mullingar has been declared a “success story” in terms of litter control by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL ), after it climbed 23 places in the 2008 anti-litter league.
The town, which was placed 40th on the list of towns surveyed in 2007, has come in 17th out of 55 towns in the 2008 report. It has now been designated ‘clean to European norms’, having in the past been described as ‘moderately littered’ and ‘seriously littered’.
Significant improvements were noted on the town’s approach roads, which the IBAl report says are “well presented” and “create a positive first impression of Mullingar”.
The Dublin, Longford, Tullamore, and Horseleap approach roads all achieved ‘clean to European norms’ standard in the latest survey.
The Tullamore approach road in particular was “pristine”, with road surface, signage, and markings all in very good condition.
Top marks also went to Green Park Meadows, Mullingar Railway Station, and Loreto Convent.
As a new residential development, Green Park Meadows was described as being “in pristine condition – not just clear of litter but very well maintained”.
The adjudicators found that Mullingar Railway Station maintained the very high standards of previous IBAL Anti-Litter surveys; “This was an excellent site. Clearly it is very carefully maintained by station staff.”
Loreto Convent was lauded for its attractive landscaping, which the report describes as “well maintained and respected by the users”.
Two areas were designated as ‘moderately littered’. The presence of food-related litter was noted at Mullingar Industrial Estate, and the report noted a lack of litter bins in the area surveyed.
Dominick Street also came in for some criticism for the insufficient use of litter bins. “There was a wide variety of litter present,” commented the adjudicators. “Much of the litter was under parked cars – a more thorough approach to sweeping/ cleaning could address this.”
Just one area in Mullingar was found to have a ‘serious litter problem’. The Canal Bank area was by far the most heavily littered site surveyed in the town. “A major clean up is required here to address a build-up of litter – rubbish has been discarded in the water,” concluded the report.
