Editorial: Kilkenny's 'tidy' image must not be allowed to further slip - a targeted plan is needed
From this week’s Kilkenny People
Fallout continues this week over Kilkenny’s latest poor showing in the most recent Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) report, which classified the city as ‘moderately littered’, losing its ‘clean’ status for the first time.
The report sees Kilkenny at its lowest-ever ranking in the league table – placed in 30 out of 40. It’s a difficult pill to swallow, particularly given how well the city has previously fared in the same survey, with top three finishes. The importance of our longstanding reputation for tidiness and looking well, and the pride people take in it, cannot be overstated.
Disappointing though the news is, for the many volunteer groups and individual residents who give their time and effort, as well as council outdoor staff, the key is to not lose heart. Kilkenny has, so far, continued to improve its Tidy Towns rankings year-on-year.
It may also be the case that one or two blackspots blotted the copybook, such as the dumping on Collier’s Lane, and left adjudicators with a bad impression. Certainly, there is a case to be made for a targeted look at the laneways of the city that, hidden from view, are often the scene of illegal dumping and anti-social activity.
Bateman Quay was also described as ‘heavily littered’. Given ongoing issues along the river involving theft of lifebuoys, drug dealing and anti-social activity, perhaps the council could liaise with gardaí to target the river areas. With increased use of river walks, the opening of a new boardwalk, and the new abbey riversidepark on the way, there is potential for Kilkenny to fall further if these issues are not nipped in the bud.
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