Louth County Council 'thrilled' with Dundalk's result in IBAL litter survey

Louth County Council says it is "delighted" to announce a significant improvement in Dundalk's standing in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League results for the second survey of 2024.

Dundalk has risen to 20th place out of 40 towns and cities, achieving the prestigious status of being "Clean to European Norms." This represents a remarkable improvement from its position at 39th just one year ago.

The survey highlighted Dundalk’s consistent progress, with five Grade A sites, including standout areas such as the Michael McNeela Riverside Walkway, Clanbrassil Street, and the M1 and N52 approaches, which were all praised for their cleanliness and presentation. However, the Castletown River and Bank was identified as an area requiring additional attention, where litter levels, although slightly improved, remain a concern.

In Drogheda, the results show a slight drop from 20th to 26th place, with the town categorized as Moderately Littered. Despite this, there were seven Grade A sites, including Oaklawns, Westgate Ward, and the Car Park at Trinity Street, showcasing well-maintained areas. Challenges remain with three problem sites, such as the rear of AIB Shop Street, which has been classified as a blackspot.

David Jones, Director of Placemaking for Louth County Council, said: "We are thrilled with the progress in Dundalk, now achieving 'Clean to European Norms.' This improvement demonstrates the success of collaborative efforts between the Council, businesses, and the community to elevate the town’s presentation and cleanliness.

“While Drogheda's overall ranking has dipped slightly, it is important to note the presence of seven Grade A sites. Unfortunately, some of the issues stem from private properties outside of the Council's direct control, but we remain committed to addressing these challenges wherever possible."

Louth County Council says it continues to implement its Litter Management Plan 24-26, focusing on enhanced street cleaning schedules, community engagement programs, and targeted efforts to tackle litter in identified problem areas. Both Dundalk and Drogheda are set to benefit from additional resources and collaborative initiatives to maintain and improve their standings in future surveys.

Louth County Council adds that it wishes to "thank all residents, businesses, Tidy Towns groups and volunteers for their contributions to keeping our towns clean and welcoming. We encourage continued collaboration and responsible waste disposal to sustain this positive momentum".

For more information, visit the Louth County Council website or follow @LouthCoCo on X.