Strong result for Tullamore by Irish Business Against Litter

Tullamore has once again been declared ‘Clean to European Norms’, and ranked 19^th in the country. However, the town scored lower than either Mullingar which was placed 15^th and Portlaoise 17^th.

The An Taisce report for Tullamore stated; ”Another strong result for Tullamore, with no heavily littered sites. More importantly, previously poor sites have been addressed. Action has clearly been taken at both the Canal side parking area (Daingean Road) where the bring centre was removed due to dumping and at the vacant site on Offaly Street which was much cleaner than previously.

O’Connor Square, Patrick Street and Columcille Street were all very well presented and maintained. There was a definite litter presence at the residential area of Cloncollig Housing Estate – levels were such that it could quickly deteriorate to a seriously littered state,” said the report.

The full details are as follows:

Clonminch Roundabout to Cloncollig Roundabout: Grade A. This approach road was a very welcoming one. It was immaculate throughout. There was plenty of greenery at Clonmich Roundabout.

Canal Side Parking, Daingean Road: Grade B. Signage indicates that: ‘Due to Illegal Dumping, this Bring Centre has been removed’ with suggestions of other Bring Centres to use. A pity to see the removal of Bring Centres, but good to see action being taken. Scattered litter included sweet papers and cigarette butts and other pieces of paper.

Vacant Site, Offally Street: Grade B. Big improvements were noted compared to previous IBAL visit. However, the site still presents poorly and likely to deteriorate back to previous status if not monitored carefully.

Cloncollig Housing Estate: Grade B. There were some areas within this residential which were fine with regards to litter, other areas much less so – overall result was a moderately littered one. Items were present on the grass verges at the grasslands and in the hedges – such areas are likely to attract further litter if not addressed. This area could quickly slide to seriously littered status.

Patrick Street: Grade A. This shopping street was very much deserving of the top litter grade. The area was enhanced by large planter boxes and tree planting, particularly welcome along the older stretch of pavement.

There was a virtual absence of litter throughout. Bridge Shopping Centre: Grade B+. A freshly presented environment which just missed the top litter grade. With a little extra effort, this could easily be a top-ranking site. The overall impression was generally a very good one.

O’Connor Square: Grade A. All aspects of this town centre environment were in very good order e.g. attractive pavement pattern, tree planting, bicycle parking, seating, planter boxes – it was excellent with regards to litter. And not a litter bin in sight. The area was a template for a Grade A site.

Arden Approach Road: Grade B+. As well as the occasionally scattered litter items, there was litter at the improvised ‘lay-bys’ – mostly freshly discarded sweet wrappers and old plastic bottles.

R421 Birr Road Exit: Grade B+: The area closer to the town was litter free, it was just the outskirts, near the Circle K garage, where mineral cans and sweet wrappers were present along the pavement. Columcille Street: Grade A. The paving / stainless steel bollards / large planter boxes / etc looked very well. The street bins provided the opportunity to ‘separate’ waste into recycling. The overall impression along Columcille Street was an excellent one – welcoming and well attended.