Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) is to be commended for its increased focus on littering in marine areas, backed by increased surveying of locations. Its latest survey conducted by An Taisce found only eight of 33 areas monitored could be deemed “clean to European norms”. While there is evidence of heightened awareness of the vulnerability of estuaries, rivers and the coastline, there is a disconnect in human behaviour; IBAL’s latest survey noted a deterioration on last year.
In 2021, a record number of more than 400 clean-ups removed 42 tonnes of litter across the country, notably through An Taisce’s Clean Coasts initiative. This represented a 5 per cent decrease in litter found across Ireland, compared to the previous year; an indication of the work volunteers do all year round to tackle litter, as well as more conscious behaviours by beach users.
The IBAL findings, however, suggest particular problems are persisting or getting worse. Littering is most acute in major population centres, notably Dublin and Cork, while some well-known beaches have shown deterioration. The most common forms of litter are cigarette butts, sweet wrappers and plastic bottles, according to the survey. Covid-related waste has declined though coffee cups are replacing facemasks and gloves as a scourge of beaches and harbours.
Our most popular beaches are not heavily littered, but they are not as clean as they should be – and certainly not on a par with Europe’s best-known resorts. Yet many Irish amenities were deemed “clean to European standards”. This shows what is possible. It also suggests, however, too many local authorities are inconsistent in getting the balance right in providing recycling opportunities and emptying regularly well-placed, robust litter bins, while encouraging a “leave no trace” approach.
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The Irish tourism product faces into a period of uncertainty. Excessive prices, persistent littering, run-off from agricultural land and poor wastewater treatment is conspiring to undermine its ability to withstand turbulence.
