Naas in County Kildare is the cleanest town in the country, according to latest IBAL litter survey.
The only city deemed 'clean' is Galway, replacing Waterford following last year's survey by the business group.
Dublin hasn't fared well, being judged as 'littered', along with Limerick and Cork's Northside. Cavan was clean to European Norms coming in at 17th out of 40 towns / cities surveyed.
A very good result for Cavan, with six out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade and no heavily littered ones. In particular, the residential area of Ardkeen was much improved
compared to previous IBAL surveys – well done to all concerned. Cavan Court House / Grounds of Cavan Co Co services were in excellent order. The Recycle / Bring Centre was one of the cleanest in the country - a model for others to emulate. Con Smith Memorial Park and Con Smith Playground were spotless throughout.
R212 Clones Approach Road: Grade A. A fresh and welcoming approach to the town, creating a positive first impression of Cavan. Bicycle path was freshly presented. This high standard was sustained for over half of the sites surveyed, with other just missing the top grade. R212 Approach: Grade B+. (from TractaMotors to Cavan Retail Park) Generally this route presented well with pavements / grass well attended. It just missed the top litter grade – there were too many loose random items, mostly food related.
Cavan Retail Park: Grade A. Car park surface / markings were freshly presented and signage associated with the retail park was in good order. The overall impression was a clean and fresh one.
Ardkeen: Grade B+. A much improved site compared to previous IBAL surveys – this time around it just missed the top litter grade. Communal areas were in very good order. A lovely feature was the wooden seating with planter boxes attached to either end. Well done to all concerned. Cavan Court House / Grounds of Cavan Co Co services: Grade A. This site was excellent in terms of presentation and maintenance, with all aspects in very good condition – and a complete absence of litter throughout.
Church St. and Main Street: Grade B+. A busy town centre street with individual retail units well tended. Colourful planter boxes outside Dunnes Stores looked very well. The public space was attractively paved with wooden seating and ‘olde’ style street lamps. Litter items were mostly food related e.g. fast-food wrappers and sweet papers, along with cigarette butts. Recycle / Bring Centre: Grade A. An excellent ‘Bring Centre’ with the bin units freshly presented and the signage associated with the use of same in very good condition. The bin units are flush against the wooden panel behind it. Clearly it is a very well managed facility with a thorough cleaning regime in place. It was exceptionally clean and a model for all ‘Bring Centres’.
Con Smith Park Playground: Grade A. The playground equipment and associated signage were in very good condition. There was a complete absence of litter within the playground and in immediate environment. Healthy Ireland signage attached to the playground encourages people to Quit smoking with associated support details. Con Smith Memorial Park: Grade A. A beautiful park environment with so many different features including picnic tables / seating / sculpture / ‘Reminiscence Walk’ developed by Cavan Branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland (as part of Dementia Friendly Communities initiative) etc. The whole area was spotless.
R198 Arvagh Approach Road: Grade B. Colourful flower boxes lined the railings along the riverbank.and there was a striking white / cream sculpture slightly set back from the road. Closer to the town centre there was a noticeable litter presence – mostly food items and cigarette butts.
