The latest survey by Irish Business Against Litter shows we’re making progress against litter but we need more community involvement to tackle the problem, a Fine Gael Minister of State for Food Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle has said.
The latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows improvements in cleanliness across the country over the past year.
Over 90% of rural towns surveyed were deemed clean, while Dublin, Cork and Galway city centres all scored well in the ranking of 40 areas.
Doyle said: “This survey shows that we have made enormous strides in tackling litter but we still have a lot to do.
“Here in County Wicklow, Bray performed very well in the survey which received a Clean to European Norms. This is great news; it is a testament to the work put in by our local authorities, business groups and indeed, the community as a whole.
“The results of the IBAL survey show that 80% of Irish towns are found to be as clean, or cleaner, than their European counterparts.
“Combatting litter requires continuous work and although our towns are generally performing well, we need to remain vigilant for littering blackspots and illegal dumping.
“I believe the best way to tackle problem litter is through community lead initiatives spearheaded by community groups and tidy towns committees.
“An Taisce’s National Spring Clean, Ireland’s premier anti-litter programme, takes place during the whole month of April every year.
“I strongly encourage community groups and anyone interested to take action to improve your community by organising a clean-up of your local area,” said Minister Doyle.
Over 90% of rural towns surveyed were deemed clean, while Dublin, Cork and Galway city centres all scored well in the ranking of 40 areas.
There are 1,658 fewer people on the Live Register in Wicklow compared to this time last year, a Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Doyle has said.