Dirty old town: Dublin named the worst litter blackspot in Ireland

DUBLINERS are set to feel down in the dumps — literally as well as figuratively — as the city has officially been branded the worst litter blackspot in Ireland.

A nationwide survey shows it came last of 53 cities and towns inspected for the Irish Business Against Litter organisation.

It shows that Dublin, unlike many other parts of the country, is failing to clean up its act and is living up to its “dirty” reputation.

Cavan emerged as the cleanest town, with 23 others being declared to have a “litter free status”. They include Sligo, Wexford, Fermoy, Carlow, Trim, Waterford and Galway.

Cork and Limerick were deemed to be almost clean to European standards.

In addition to Dublin, three areas were described as litter blackspots. They were Finglas, Mallow and Leixlip.

Six towns — Wicklow, Shandon/Blackpool, Navan, Naas, Ballinasloe and Gorey — were considered to have a “serious litter problem” by An Taisce, who carried out the survey on behalf of IBAL.

Although overall levels of litter have decreased 16% in the past three years, Dublin has suffered a slide in cleanliness — and its poor performance has raised concern the extent of its litter problem could hurt tourism.

IBAL chairman Tom Cavanagh said a recent Fáilte Ireland study showed that litter was the second main source of dissatisfaction for tourists to Ireland after high prices.

He said Dublin “is on a negative trend compared to the rest of the country”.

“Ten years ago, Dublin was on a par with the national average. It is now 40% behind it.”

The inspectors criticised the Smithfield area of Dublin as “a complete disgrace,” while the area around the Liffey quays was described as “very unsightly” and the Iveagh Market as in “a dreadful condition.”

Nationally, the average litter rating was 74 out of a possible 100, which represents a 9% improvement on the same period last year.

Just 19% of towns were classified as having a serious litter problem compared to 83% five years ago.

Dr Cavanagh said Dublin has suffered a 15% fall in standards in 12 months. He called on Dublin City Council to get to grips with the situation because of the harm such a widespread litter problem could have on the national economy.

“As well as being the epicentre of foreign direct investment, Dublin is a gateway for two out of every three visitors to this country,” he said.

IBAL singled out Sligo and Galway for particular praise for local efforts to improve litter problems.