Disappointment for Limerick as results of final IBAL litter survey of 2023 are released

THE FINAL litter survey of 2023 by the group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows both Limerick city and Galvone in the category of ‘littered’ in the ranking of 40 towns and cities nationwide. 

For the first time since surveys began 20 years ago, no area was deemed seriously littered, with Maynooth claiming top spot for cleanliness. IBAL says the impending Deposit Return Scheme will improve cleanliness levels further nationwide but is calling for action on coffee cups.

The An Taisce Report - IBAL Anti-Litter League for Limerick city said that there were just seven sites out of a total of 25 surveyed which got the top litter grade in Limerick city. 

 “With just under half of the sites surveyed 'heavily littered' – including no fewer than 5 litter blackspots - it cancels out any improvements in other sites, and there were several which had seen improvements,” reads the An Taisce report.   

“O’Connell Street and Colbert Train Station were both much improved on previous IBAL surveys and very much deserving of the top litter grade this time around,” it adds.  

“While not a top-ranking site this time around, 31 Cecil Street had certainly improved compared to previous surveys.  The same applies to the corner of Cecil Street and Catherine Street.  

“Mount Kenneth Place was improved but still somewhat littered. There were monumental levels of dumping at 20 Mallow Street, while the vacant site on William Street was an eye-sore, right in the heart of the city,” the report outlined.  

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The An Taisce report for Limerick City South (Galvone) stated that two litter blackspots saw Galvone lose its moderately littered status of one year ago. 

“Top ranking sites included Roxboro Shopping Centre and Crossagalla Business Park – both were well presented.  This is in  contrast to the recycle facility within Roxboro Shopping Centre which has been a poorly ranking site over previous IBAL surveys,” the report states.  

The other poorly ranked site in Galvone was the miscellaneous site and area adjacent to Treaty Steel at Galvone Industrial Estate – significant dumping is an issue at this site.         

While litter levels rose slightly nationwide, over 60% of towns surveyed were deemed clean in 2023, with Maynooth edging out Mallow  to take the title of cleanest town.