Dublin the country’s dirtiest old town
The less affluent suburbs of Ballymun, Mulhuddart and Clondalkin are littered and simply not shaping up to cleaner, more wealthy areas of the capital like Clontarf, Dalkey and Killiney, the latest survey from Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows.
The group, which carried out the survey with An Taisce, hopes the findings will force councils into cleaning up their act and tackling the many litter blackspots throughout the city.
IBAL chief Dr Tom Cavanagh said: “We want to spur local authorities into doing more for the heavily-littered suburbs, especially those regarded as disadvantaged,” he said.
“A cleaner environment would instil a sense of pride in these areas, which in turn will foster more community cohesion and increased business activity.
“And, as several towns have shown, a cleaner environment can be realised quickly and at relatively low cost.”
The survey was based on international monitoring standards, showing the average cleanliness levels for Dublin was at 67%, a shocking 12% behind the national average.
One-third of the areas were classed as “litter blackspots” or “seriously littered”.
These areas included the city centre, Tallaght and Malahide.
“We can’t speak of Ireland being clean if our capital city is dirty. The nation’s tourism, foreign investment and general self-esteem is hugely dependent on it,” said Dr Cavanagh.
“Dublin is a gateway for up to 70% of visitors to this country.”
Only five of the 20 Dublin areas surveyed were deemed litter-free and among them were Swords, ranked a blackspot in previous surveys.
Finglas, also a litter blackspot last year, pulled up its socks and was now rated as moderately littered.
The survey found that fast food wrappers, plastic bags and ATM receipts were causing a bigger litter problem in Dublin than elsewhere in the country.
The survey’s release yesterday coincided with the launch of the 2006 Anti-Litter League, which received support for the first time from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Fifty-three areas of the country will be bidding for honours in the league, with Leixlip and Greystones included in the competition for the first time.
The survey results have gravely dented Dublin’s chances of scooping the award. They are ranked 100/1 to win the top prize in odds quoted by Paddy Power Bookmakers.
But hotly-predicted to be honoured with litter-free status and the title of Ireland’s cleanest town are Trim at 8/1 and Cavan, Fermoy and Killarney at 10/1. Last year’s winner, Carlow, is 12/1.
The competition has spurred regions into action over the years. Litter levels have dipped by almost 30% since the League started in 2002.
