Kilkenny slips in IBAL rankings, but still 'Cleaner than European Norms'

Kilkenny has slipped in the latest rankings issued by Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL), issued earlier today.

Down from a sixth-place position in the January survey, Kilkenny is now placed in 16th. In the survey report, prepared by An Taisce, both Kilkenny Castle and the train station are singled out for praise. High Street and approach roads to the city are also lauded.

"All approach roads to Kilkenny scored well and many of the town centre sites were also top ranking. Some of the sites were particularly good with regard to litter eg Kilkenny Train Station (exterior and interior) was spotless, High Street presented very well and despite plenty of activity still managed to be a top ranking site; Kilkenny Castle Formal Gardens were excellent, with a complete absence of litter throughout the area surveyed.

The report found that there were two 'heavily littered sites in Kilkenny' – including at a premises on the Dublin Road / Sion Road) and the bring centre at St Canice’s carpark.

"Both of these sites require a more thorough approach to cleaning and maintenance to bring up the litter grade," says the survey.

An Taisce assessed litter levels over the summer months on behalf of IBAL. More than three in four towns and cities were found to be clean.

However, while the survey finds that while Ireland’s towns and city centres are clean, disadvantaged areas of cities are suffering increasing levels of litter.

READ MORE: KILKENNY'S RESULT IN SEPTEMBER 2017