Athlone gets a very positive IBAL litter result

Athlone was awarded seven Grade A marks in the final IBAL anti-litter league report of 2010, which was deemed a “very positive†result for the town by the judges. However its overall ranking in the league table was significantly reduced by two grade D marks and overall, Athlone was rated 'moderately littered' and ranked 42nd out of 52 towns and cities nationwide. But the latest results were a marked improvement from more than a year ago, when Athlone was deemed a 'litter blackspot' in June 2009. Both grade D marks were within the town as opposed to the approach roads which have seen a general improvement, according to judges. The first was a site at the base of a sign on the Old Dublin Road which was “completely neglected and subjected to abuse†and the second site was a privately-owned site, used by the public, where judges reported dumping and numerous potholes. “The two grade D sites were small and isolated areas which could easily be tackled and managed,†said the judges. Some of the top ranking sites in Athlone were 'Main Street' (most likely Church Street), the train station, Aldi and the residential area of Ard Ri. In comparison, Mullingar came 37th and was rated 'clean to European norms' while Tullamore was the best performing Midlands town coming 9th and also rated 'clean to European norms', while Roscommon came two places behind Athlone. Portlaoise was the worst-performing Midland town, coming last and was the only town judged to have a 'serious litter problem'. The overall winner was Carlow town, claiming the title for the third time since the litter league began. Of the 53 towns surveyed by IBAL, 74% were judged litter-free, the highest percentage since the league began in 2002. No town was classed as a litter blackspot. Dr Tom Cavanagh, Chairman of IBAL, criticised the Government for failing to tackle the issue of litter in cities. He said that IBAL proposals to Government on tackling litter in the main urban centres, had “fallen on deaf earsâ€. IBAL has called for money to be ring-fenced for litter clean-ups within the €45m which the National Roads Authority allocates to local authorities for road maintenance. The organisation has also called for a tax on chewing gum. “We had hoped for some meaningful measures from Minister Gormley in 2010, but none has been delivered,†said Dr Cavanagh. “In addition, a report on dumping was promised, but has failed to materialise as yet.†Athlone Town Councillor Alan Shaw (FG) who is a member of the Tidy Towns Committee, welcomed the latest report which highlighted the continued need for targeted investment in litter control measures all year around. Cllr Shaw pointed out that Athlone has consistently improved its ranking in the last four litter leagues and attributed this to the strong working partnership forged between Athlone Tidy Towns Committee and Athlone Town Council. “This trend is very promising and our challenge is now to step up to the next category which is 'clean to European norms',†he said. Cllr Shaw has supported the council's increased investment in Tidy Towns in the 2011 budget and has welcomed the plan by the council to ringfence funding for projects that can significantly improve the town's scores in both IBAL and the annual Tidy Towns competition. “Good planning by Athlone Tidy Towns and a continuing strong working partnership with Athlone Town Council will help us to achieve better results,†he said. He added that the Tidy Towns Committee carried out great work last year in enhancing the town and highlighting the need for the public to take greater individual responsibility in controlling litter. An information flyer called 'Litter and the Law' was compiled and distributed to over 5,000 homes throughout the town. This document set out the challenges for every individual to be aware of litter, how to control it and what individual's responsibilities are under the law.