Tullamore ranks among top 10 cleanest towns in latest IBAL report
The removal of the bring banks at the Daingean Road car park has made a considerable difference says survey
The town is deemed to be clean to European norms and has taken a major jump in the ratings.
Eight of ten sites inspected got the top litter grade and inspectors noted that ''there were no heavily littered ones.''
Top- ranking sites included Columcille Street, the residential area of Harbour Drive and the Bridge Shopping Centre.
''Considerable improvements were noted compared to previous IBAL surveys at Car Park, Daingean Road – well done to all concerned. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the various vacant / derelict sites along Main Street – there was no litter directly associated with them,'' said the inspectors.
Chair of Tullamore Tidy Towns Association, Councillor Shane Murray said he was absolutely delighted with the result. ''The report last year hit us for six, when we came 19th. It's great to be in the top ten it is a huge achivement. I'm sending out messages to all the members to congratulate them.There was a huge amount of work by the volunteers and the county council outdoor staff and local businesses. Senior Executive Engineer John Connelly was there through all that. It's great,'' said Cllr Murray.
Tullamore Tidy Towns has been putting in a massive effort recently. ''We started Sunday mornings this year. We start at 8.30am. It has worked for litter picking and watering of plants,'' explained Cllr Murray who added that there are a number of individuals who undertake to adopt a patch and they litter pick in these areas.
The N52 from Ardan Road Junction to Ardan Road Roundabout received a Grade A. A fresh and welcoming approach route to Tullamore with all aspects in good order e.g. grass verges / road surfaces etc.
The L1024 Tinnycross Approach Road: Grade A. There was a nice use of floral displays along this route, adding to the fresh and welcoming impression. There were no visible litter issues throughout.
Harbour Drive: Grade A. The residential area of Harbour Drive was attractively laid out, with lovely tree planting. There was a complete absence of litter throughout – well done to all concerned.
Bury Quay: Grade B. The main litter items at this waterside environment were food related e.g. coffee cups, plastic bottles and sweet wrappers – much of which was at the waters’ edge / in the reeds. The overall environmental is attractively laid out.
Columcille Street: Grade A. The streetscape was in very good order with attractive paving / silver stainless steel bollards / large planter boxes etc. The overall impression was a very positive one and it was excellent with regards to litter.
The Bridge Shopping Centre: Grade A. This shopping centre / car parking environment was very much deserving of the top litter grade – all aspects were in good order e.g. seating / litter bins / car park surface & markings etc.
Main Street: Grade A. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the various vacant / derelict buildings as there was no litter directly associated with them. There appeared to be plenty of bins.
Car Park at Daingean Road: Grade A. Considerable improvement was noted here with the removal of the Bring Facility resulting in a much cleaner site. This time around there were minimal litter items.
Fiona's Way: Grade B+. An attractive waterside environment which just missed the top litter grade. Fast-food wrappers and sweet papers took away from an otherwise well-presented site.
Arden Road – approach: Grade A. A clean and welcoming approach with all elements in very good order