This article is from page 2 of the 2006-05-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
ENNIS has scored a moderate improvement in the latest litter league results compiled by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).
The latest IBAL report places Ennis 35th out of 53 areas surveyed and deems the town to be moderately littered.
It represents an improvement on the last survey, in which Ennis was placed 51st and was cited as having a significant litter problem. The findings come as the town prepares to defend its crown as Ireland’s tidiest town, this Summer.
In the executive summary, the report states that there are some excellent sites in Ennis that are litter-free and kept in very good condition. Among the areas singled out for praise are the Mill Road roundabout and the Remembrance Gardens on Cloughleigh Road.
However, IBAL criticised high levels of litter on the N68 Kilrush/ Kilkee approach road and the Limerick approach road. IBAL noted that the condition of the O’Connell monument had improved but that it still had a long way to go and was “clearly an area used for drinking and hanging out”.
Head of IBAL, Dr Tom Cavangah, said greater enforcement of litter laws was needed in Ennis.
“There is still a bit of work to be done.
“It can be done mainly through the local authority enforcing the law. We found that a lot of pubs and fast food restaurants are not cleaning the public areas they operate in.
“The law of the land should be enforced, especially against local businesses. I know a lot of the work is being done by volunteers but I don’t think that can be sustained in the long term.”
Margaret Neylon of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee dismissed the impact of the report.
“It has been well documented that Ennis has a proven reputation on the national and international stage and we are continuing to work with Ennis Town Council, residents and the Chamber of Commerce to build on last year’s success. It can’t take from Ennis’ success,” she said.