CARLOW HAS been named as the tidiest town in the State, narrowly beating Trim, Co Meath, into second place in a survey of 53 towns and cities commissioned by Irish Business Against Litter group.
An awards ceremony in Dublin yesterday heard both towns had been among 39 classified “litter-free” in what group chairman Tom Cavanagh described as the most successful year since the awards began in 2002.
He said the difference between Trim and Carlow had been “the shortest of the shortest” and the result “really couldn’t have been any closer”. This is the third time Carlow has won the top award.
Longford town earned third place, with Wexford in fourth and Drogheda in fifth place.
In its commentary An Taisce, which carried out the survey, said Carlow had had a “superb result”.
“All sites surveyed in Carlow were Grade A. There were litter awareness and/or dog fouling notices at all the sites surveyed – perhaps the constant reminder is having the desired effect. Clearly a very effective and efficient cleaning and maintenance process is in place, combined with respect by the users of the facilities/environment.”
The Mayor of Carlow, Councillor Walter Lacey, said the award was particularly welcome as the town had fallen badly in ranking two years ago. “This award is fabulous for the town. It gives Carlow a great profile.”
Of the 53 towns surveyed 39, or 74 per cent, were judged to be litter free. No town was classified a litter blackspot though Portlaoise was the only one to receive a “seriously littered” rating.
