Two Tullamore sites "heavily littered" in latest IBAL litter survey

Tullamore was let down in the latest survey carried out by the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) league due to the presence of two “heavily littered sites” at Lock 27 on Canal Walk and the Bring Centre at St. Kyran's Street/O'Connell Street in the town.

While Tullamore was ranked at number 26 in the survey of 40 towns and cities nationwide, and was found to be 'Clean to European norms' this is a drop of six places from the 20th place ranking the town achieved in the final IBAL survey for 2022.

Overall, the judges found the approach roads leading into Tullamore created “a very good first impression” and this was continued at the Arden View housing estate and the shopping area of Columcille Street. The presence of colourful planting was “very much a feature” at the majority of the 10 sites surveyed by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL, including Patrick Street, Columcille Street and the Bridge Centre car park, but the presence of two heavily littered sites contributed to the town being “let down” in the survey.

Of the 10 sites surveyed in Tullamore, a total of six achieved the top grade A, but more worringly for the local tidy towns organisation is the fact that two sites were in the grade C category, namely Lock 27 at Canal Walk which achieved a grade C+ and was found to have a proliferation of litter in a vacant building “much of it alcohol related” and the Bring Facility at St. Kyran's Street/O'Connell Street which “wasn't just casually littered but subject to dumping” according to the IBAL report.

The report noted that, while the Bring Centre facility was “freshly presented” with bin units and associated signage “in good order” the area to the rear of the units was heavily littered and items had also been “stuffed” between and behind the units. The judges found this location to be the most heavily littered of the 10 sites they surveyed across the town of Tullamore and described it in their final report as “particularly poor.”

In relation to the second site which achieved a grade C, Lock 27 at Canal Walk, the judges warned that this area “will only deteriorate further” unless the issue of litter is addressed.” Describing the location as “an attractively presented waterside environment” with pathways and bollards in good order, the report noted that there were “some litter items” in the water, but it was the vacant building which harboured most of the litter, much of which was “alcohol related.”

The level of litter at the Bridge Centre, which achieved a grade B, was found to be such that it was “verging towards being seriously littered” with litter being particularly pronounced around the trolley bay at the entrance to the centre. “It was a mix of long-lie items, mostly food related, with cigarette butts and shopping receipts” the report noted.

Patrick Street achieved a grade B+, due to the presence of cigarette butts which were “very much a feature, particularly within the large planter boxes” according to IBAL, which added that there were “a few separate provisions” for the cigarette butts but they were still “a very obvious litter items” on the street, which had lower levels of alcohol bottles and food related items.

The six locations which achieved a grade A were all widely praised by the judges, including the N52 approach road from the town speed limit to Arden roundabout which gave “an excellent impression overall” characterised by well-maintained grass verges and hedges and clean road surfaces and kerbs.

There was also “a complete absence of litter” throughout the entire residential area of Arden View, which “looked very well” with spring flowers and plenty of trees. The Dog Fouling Signage also came in for special mention by the judges who noted it was “freshly presented” and was accompanied by a sign urging the public to leash and clean up after their dog.

Columcille Street was also described as being “excellent” with regard to litter and the presence of lovely paving, floral and on-street planters and the opportunity to separate street waste were all highly commended by the judges.

Also highly commended was the car park at the Bridge Centre, which the IBAL judges described as being “a top-ranking site” with colourful planting, low lying shrubbery, and signage which was in good order. Apart from some cigarette butts/chewing gum, “this was a very clean survey site” the report said.

The presence of “a wonderful bank of white spring flowers” at the base of one wall in the vicinity of the Cormac Street/Charleville Road approach to Tullamore was praised by the judges, who said this area provided a “very welcoming approach” to the town. They also found the pavements to be clean, and the road surfaces and built environment to be “in very good condition” at this location.

Similarly, the N80 Portlaoise approach road to Tullamore was praised for its attractive floral displays and “well attended roundabout.” The road surface/markings/signage were all “freshly presented” and the overall impression was of “a very clean route” leading into the town.

Over 90% of the towns surveyed nationwide were deemed clean, compared with just 28% of city areas. Maynooth was to be the cleanest town in Ireland and Dundalk, which was described as “seriously littered” was at the bottom of the table.

As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, which was established in 1996, An Taice monitors towns and cities independently, and in accordance with international grading standards.

The latest survey shows that while PPE litter is disappearing in line with the end of the Covid pandemic, vaping devices were included as a litter type for the first time and were evidence in 6% of sites. Disposable coffee cups continue to be a problem and were found in 20% of sites, prompting IBAL to call for the speedy introduction of a coffee cup levy.

The survey also found an increase in cigarette butt litter, and IBAL has also expressed concerns about the presence of large amounts of litter in Dublin city centre and on the north side of the city and also in Cork city centre.