LIMERICK city has shot up nine places in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) ranking, gaining it a “clean to European standards” accolade.
But the Galvone Industrial estate proved to be a different matter, with IBAL rating it as “seriously littered”, the only one of 15 city areas on the bottom of the scale to be so designated.
“This suggests the city council are not getting to grips with the litter problem in the area,” the report on Galvone stated.
Kennedy Park was given the survey’s highest accolade, an ‘A’ grade, along with O’Connell Street, Thomas Street, Glentworth Street and Catherine Street. Thomondgate collected a European clean rating but fell three places from its last rating in the bi-annual report.
Welcoming the latest results, a spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said it was important to highlight the number of areas that received Grade A and the fact that Limerick City and Thomondgate are judged to be ‘Clean to European Norms’.
“The People’s Park was described as a wonderful green space within the city which wasn’t just clear of litter but very lovingly tended. Sculptures, seating, grass, flower beds, paving and railings were all in very good condition.
“Areas previously highlighted as problem areas were addressed and it is disappointing that dumping and littering continued there. Over the past twelve months there have been at least three significant clean-ups in the Galvone Industrial Estate to remove waste.
“Since 2016, the Council has issued five warning letters regarding illegally dumped waste in Galvone Industrial Estate alone. One statutory direction requiring the removal of waste was given and this was complied with, while Limerick City and County Council also had one successful court prosecution in respect of illegal dumping of waste in Galvone Industrial Estate.
“Limerick City and County Council has budgeted €5.7 million for Litter Management and Street Cleaning in 2018. The local authority also liaises with property owners on an ongoing basis to advise them of their responsibilities in keeping their properties litter free,”the spokesman concluded.
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