Letterkenny has scored high marks in the latest survey by anti-litter group IBAL.
The town has retained its “Clean to European Norms” designation in the summer survey of litter levels by Irish Business Against Litter.
Letterkenny is in 19th spot in the latest ranking of 40 towns and cities.
Seven out of 10 sites surveyed achieved an ‘A’ Grade, with two ‘Bs’ and one ‘C’ grade allocated to other central areas.
Letterkenny came in 15th place in the January 2018 list and has improved greatly from being ranked as ‘Littered’ in January 2017.
The survey results released today is based on An Taisce’s assessment of litter levels in Letterkenny over the summer months.
The An Taisce report stated: “With seven top ranking sites Letterkenny has scored very well.
“Some of the top ranking sites were not just free of litter but also well presented and maintained e.g. Main Street, Scoil Cholmcille National School, Church of Ireland (Diocese of Raphoe) and Ballymacool Town Park – the latter was beautifully landscaped and is clearly a very well respected environment.
“By far the most heavily littered site surveyed in Letterkenny was the Recycle Facility at rear of Dunnes Stores Car Park. ”
The An Taisce report gave a C Grade to the Dunnes Stores Car Park and noted black sacks discarded in front of the units. “An air of neglected prevailed at this facility,” the survey said.
The Letterkenny Tidy Towns Committee scooped a gold medal in the 60th annual TidyTowns competition this September.
Nationally, the IBAL survey highlighted a worsening of litter levels in economically disadvantaged areas.
Conor Horgan of IBAL said: “What is often lacking in these areas is a sense of ‘pride in place’, which in turn reflects an absence of real community. In the frenzy to address our housing shortage, we must be mindful of the need to build communities along with houses. Mixed housing is the long-term solution to our urban litter problem.”
