TRALEE can take bow after the latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows that the town is “Cleaner than European Norms”, and in 18th position in the ranking of 40 areas surveyed.
“Another excellent result for Tralee with seven out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade,” the An Taisce Surveyors reported. “Some of the particularly good sites included The Aqua Dome, Pairc an Piarsaig and Kerry County Museum – these were not just clear of litter but well presented and maintained.”
Kilkenny and Cavan were once again Ireland’s cleanest towns, with Killarney in third place. Eighteen towns were deemed cleaner than the European average.
The ranking is due in no small part to the huge efforts of the Tidy Towns groups who have done incredible work over the past few years to ensure Gold Medal status in the Tidy Towns competition.
Here’s what the An judges had to say about areas in the town:
“Car Park on Princes Quay: Grade B. This site just missed getting the top litter grade – a small scattering of fast-food wrappers and sweet papers took away from an otherwise good site. The colourful shrubbery was a nice feature in a town centre car park.
Approach from John Cronin’s Roundabout: Grade A. This was an excellent route – the road surface / signage / markings were all in very good order and the overall impression created here was very positive.
Marian Park: Grade B. A moderately littered residential area. All the litter was along the kerbs and roadsides – the green area was clear of litter.
Old Killarney Road at John Cronin Roundabout: Grade B. Much of this road was clean but it was let down by food related litter at the base of the brick wall – sweet papers, fast-food wrappers and cans.
Castle Street, Lower: Grade A. A very good site – despite plenty of activity, both vehicular and pedestrian, this site has scored very well.
Pairc an Piarsaig: Grade A. The high litter grade of previous IBAL Anti-Litter surveys has been maintained here – it wasn’t just a litter free site but also very nicely laid out and maintained – a credit to those responsible.
Kerry County Museum: Grade A. A lovely building and environs – shrubbery / grass area / visitor information notices etc were all in very good order – a virtual absence of litter.
Brandon Hotel: Grade A. The entrance to the hotel and area immediately surrounding it were spotless. The flagstones and planter boxes were nicely presented and maintained.
Aqua Dome: Grade A. A very well tended environment – the car park, grassy area, building entrance and general environment were all in very good order – there was a complete absence of litter throughout.
Dingle Road: Grade A. A very fresh and clean approach road, creating a positive first impression of Tralee.”
