Monaghan Town has come in third place of the cleanest towns and cities in Ireland in 2024. Monaghan has been found to be "cleaner than European norms" while Cavan Town, which came in in 17th place is listed as "clean to European norms".
Only Naas and Kilkenny topped Monaghan Town for first and second place. The results of the annual Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey shows in all, 60 per cent of the towns and cities surveyed were deemed 'clean'. Monaghan: Cleaner than European Norms. 3rd out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. An excellent result for Monaghan, one of its best ever. Eight out of the ten sites surveyed got the top litter grade and there were no heavily littered ones. All of the approach routes created a positive first impression of Monaghan. Other top ranking sites included Ulster Canal Greenway a wonderful waterside amenity which has been attractively laid out / maintained, Monaghan
House and the residential area of Drumbear woods,
R189 Newbliss Road: Grade A. All was in good order along this route, creating a positive first impression of Monaghan town. This high standard was maintained for the majority of the remaining sites surveyed. Ulster Canal Greenway: Grade A. Excellent signage greets visitors to this wonderful waterside amenity. Pathway and features throughout were in very good order with a colourful mural taking away the ‘bare look’ of an industrial building. Hard hitting dog fouling signage: ‘Wouldn’t it be great if dogs cleaned up after themselves? They don’t.’ This site was very much deserving of the top litter grade. It was a credit to the users and those responsible for the maintenance of same.
N54 Approach: Grade A. (from junction at R189 to roundabout at Park Street) There was a virtual absence of litter along this well presented approach route. All aspects were in good condition. Monaghan Leisure Complex: Grade A. A well-presented environment with seating, picnic tables, litter bin, signage in good order. It was excellent with regards to litter.
Monaghan Court House: Grade A. A lovely ‘olde’ style courthouse building with striking sculptures to the front. The local Tidy Towns group have provided litter pickers & bags to encourage members of the public to ‘Keep It Clean – Don’t let Litter Spoil It!’. This was an exceptionally clean environment. Recycle Facility: Grade B. The recycle units and the signage attached to same were freshly presented. Main litter items were cardboard boxes, cigarette butts and food related e.g. cans, fast-food wrappers and plastic bags, along with broken glass on the ground.
Monaghan Shopping Centre: Grade A. There was a complete absence of litter throughout this shopping centre environment. The tiled pedestrian pathway surrounding the building was gleaming. Drumbear Woods: Grade A. The residential area of Drumbear Woods is clearly very well-tended and cared for. It was spotless throughout and overall impression was fresh and welcoming.
R188 Coothill Approach: Grade A. An attractive route leading into Monaghan town, with lush planting lining the road. There were no visible litter issues throughout. Industrial / Commercial Centre at Killyconnigan: Grade B+. The occupied units in this industrial area were generally well tended and clear of litter. However, the vacant / unoccupied sites were less so with plastic wrapping and generally untended appearance which may well attract; more littering.
