‘Monumental levels’of litter at Belgard Square

THERE are “monumental levels” of litter at a vacant site at Belgard Square in Tallaght, according to a litter survey that was published this week.

Overall, Tallaght showed a “slight improvement” in the latest IBAL Anti-Litter League Survey, while a “very strong result” was recorded in Crumlin.

The latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) results were released this week, with Tallaght being listed as ‘moderately littered’, while Crumlin was listed as ‘clean to European norms’.

A total of 40 areas around the country were surveyed, with Tallaght placing 30th, while Crumlin was 18th on the list.

The survey was carried out by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL at the end of last year, where several areas in Tallaght and Crumlin were assessed.

“A slight improvement for Tallaght, with seven out of the 10 sites surveyed getting the top litter grade,” stated An Taisce.

“These were not just good with regard to litter, but overall presentation and maintenance.

“Some examples of these include Tallaght Village, the bring facility at Fettercairn Community Centre, the Village Green Shopping Centre and Abberley Square.

“The sole litter blackspot was the waste ground at a vacant site at Belgard Square – subject to monumental levels of dumping.

There was good presentation and maintenance recorded in Tallaght Village

“There was a modicum of improvement at pedestrian access from Kilmartin Estate to Cheeverstown Road, but this was from a very low base – it remained heavily littered.”

It was also noted that the public park in the Westpark housing estate was “heavily littered”.

Over in Crumlin, the results were more positive as there were “no heavily littered sites” out of the 10 sites that were surveyed by An Taisce.

“A very strong result for Crumlin with no heavily littered sites out of 10 sites surveyed,” stated An Taisce.

“Some examples of top-ranking sites included the large expanse of William Pearse Park, the residential areas of Lisle Road and Cooley Road.

“There were some sites which just missed the top litter grade – Crumlin Village and Crumlin Shopping Centre – with a little extra effort this could easily be attained.”

The survey focuses on central areas in a number of towns and cities around the country, as IBAL believe that continued economic prosperity is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.

The study was carried out by representatives from An Taisce, who monitored the surveyed towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards.