NOT for the first time, the adjudicators of a nationwide anti litter competition have commented negatively on the site of the Lidl supermarket in Killarney which was the only location in the town not to get a top grade in the latest survey.
Killarney finished in third place overall – just behind Kilkenny and Cavan – in the Irish Business Against Little (IBAL) league and the town was deemed to be cleaner than European norms.
The adjudication report, which praises several areas in the town, states that Killarney, where a number of litter pickers have been employed for the summer, has consistently scored very highly in recent years and particularly since the issue of horse fouling on the streets was addressed.
The judges reserved particular praise for Hans Liebherr Road and they described Killarney National Park as “a real treasure”.
All sites surveyed received an A grade apart from the area around Lidl which was allocated a B grade.
“This has frequently been a littered site in previous IBAL surveys and there was little change this time around,” the adjudicators noted in their report.
This is what they had to say about other locations in Killarney:
Hans Liebherr Road: An excellent approach road into Killarney – not only was there a complete absence of litter throughout but the overall presentation and maintenance of same was very good.
Killarney National Park: A large site which was in very good order. Attractive old style information notice at the entrance and clear and legible signage within. This is a lovely amenity which has been very well respected.
Recycle Facility, New Street Car Park: There was a virtual absence of litter at this large recycle facility in town car park – the overall impression was of a well maintained facility.
Chapel Place: A small pedestrianised zone, some areas were residential and others business. There were no litter problems.
New Street Car Park: A substantial town centre car park which had a complete absence of litter throughout. Road surface, signage and markings were in very good order, contributing to the fresh appearance.
Muckross Road: Another very good approach road into Killarney – all areas surveyed were in very good order.
Holiday Inn: The entrance to the hotel, car park and surrounding shrubbery area were all nicely presented and maintained – there was a complete absence of litter.
New Street: A top ranking site – not only was the street clear of litter but the overall presentation of the buildings was excellent.
Tralee-Killarney Road (N22): The overall impression created along this route was excellent. There was light litter in the lay-bys in the outskirts of Killarney.
Irish Business Against Litter was set up in 1996 as an alliance of companies who were concerned that litter was having a significant impact on the economic well-being of the country.
