Tallaght moves out of the black in national litter stakes

TALLAGHT has been declared Ireland’s most improved town for tackling litter, as opposed to a year ago when it was declared a black spot.

To recognise this achievement, Dr Tom Cavanagh, chairman of Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL), presented an award to South County Dublin Mayor Marie Corr.

Dr Cavanagh described Tallaght’s advance towards a clean environment as a spectacular example of the success of the litter league initiative.

He said the citizens of that area should look forward to enjoying environs that are on a par with their European neighbours.

IBAL said Tallaght was a model for other areas needing to improve their cleanliness ratings.

The success stems from South Dublin County Council developing a litter management plan for 2008 which involved a comprehensive and independent litter survey of the wider Dublin area to help identify black spots.

Cleansing operations were re-organised, various anti-litter initiatives were established and a grant scheme was organised for community organisations carrying out anti-litter projects.

Critically, litter enforcement levels were increased dramatically, with 2,927 fines handed out up to November 2008.

“Tallaght’s success did not happen by accident. It arose from a conscious decision by the local authority to bring about permanent change that will have significant benefit for both the community and business life,” Dr Cavanagh said.

An Taisce, which carried out the survey, applauded Tallaght’s fantastic result in the final survey where it was among the highest ranked areas.

Particular praise went to Tallaght Village and Belgard Square, and to the Blessington Road and Old Bawn Road.

The winner of the 2008 Anti Litter league, which involved An Taisce monitoring 55 towns across the country, will be revealed at a ceremony in Dublin on next Monday.

Ireland’s cleanest town in last year’s programme was Dundalk.