Navan drops eight places in latest IBAL litter survey

Hannah McNamara

The latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter shows Navan's dramatic fall in cleanliness.

The 2023 survey results reveal Navan has dropped from number 21 to 28 on the list of 40 towns surveyed. While still retaining its 'clean' status, Navan has edged closer to becoming part of the 'moderately littered' category.

This year's study proved both improvement and deterioration from Ireland's towns and cities. Maynooth emerged to the top of the rankings ahead of Mallow, Kilkenny, Clonmel and Ennis, while Dundalk at the foot of the table 'seriously littered', confirmed its desperate need for change.

The report said "Over 90% of towns surveyed were deemed clean, compared with just 28% of city areas."

With only Waterford and Galway being classed as 'clean' cities, IBAL stated "Cork City Centre, Mahon, Limerick City and Galvone have all made some progress, as has Ballymun."

Conor Horgan of IBAL said "Clearly, tourism is a focus of this annual summer survey and unfortunately the major urban gateways to our towns and countryside are falling short of the mark."

Horgan further stated "As a high-cost destination, tourists to Ireland can expect better."

This year's inspection showed that PPE litter is still a problem with masks found in 7% of sites. IBAL are reminding the public that "Covid is no longer an excuse for littered streets."

There seemed to be a slight fall in alcohol cans and bottles scattered, however coffee cups were present in 20% of sites. IBAL continues to address the need for a coffee cup levy.

There was an increase in cigarette butts and for the first time vaping devices were included as a litter type. Conor Horgan said "The impact of disposable vapes is twofold. Not only are they single-use plastic, but the lithium battery within them is an especially toxic form of litter."

He added "In striving for a circular economy, the case for banning them is a strong one."