Nenagh ranked second in national litter league

Nenagh has been declared ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ in the IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) Anti-Litter League.

This welcome news comes with the publication of the Anti-Litter League Summer Result 2018, which shows Nenagh as the second cleanest (behind Fermoy) out of 40 towns and cities surveyed. Set up in 1996, IBAL is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity - notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment - is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment. As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, An Taisce monitors towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards.

The report states that it is rare for a town to be in such pristine condition having been absent from the IBAL league for several years.

“With so many top ranking sites a few deserve a special mention – Nenagh Train Station wasn’t just clear of litter but has been attractively presented and maintained,” the report reads. “The wide paving, tree planting and freshly presented shop fronts all contributed to the overall impression created along Kenyon Street.”  

Comments on individual roads and locations were as follows:

R494 Portroe approach road (Grade A):  “Travelling along this road into Nenagh created a positive first impression of the town and this high standard was maintained for all the remaining sites surveyed. The grass, paving, road surface/markings, etc, were all in good order.”

R498 (Thurles) approach road (Grade A):  “This is a somewhat rural road which presented well overall. The road surface appeared in good condition and there was a virtual absence of litter in the area surveyed.”

Nenagh Castle grounds (Grade A): “The grounds of Nenagh Castle were exceptionally well presented and maintained. Grass was neatly cut and the overall impression was of a pristine environment. Signage relating to No dogs/ball-playing/bicycles/alcohol was clear and clean.”

Pearse Street (Grade A): “Pearse Street has scored very well with regard to litter, especially as there didn’t appear to be any visible litter bins. There was an abundance of shops, all seemingly in business, as opposed to vacant/derelict. The paving was in good order.”

Nenagh Train Station - exterior (Grade A): “All aspects of the exterior of the train station were in very good condition – signage, bins, planted areas, etc, and there was a complete absence of litter in the area surveyed.”

Nenagh Train Station – interior (Grade A):  “The station platform was attractively adorned by flag stones and there was plenty of cast iron-work throughout. There was a charming ‘olde’ world feel to the station – it was completely clear of litter.”

The Railway Bar derelict premises (Grade A): “Weeds were pronounced and there was plenty of ‘greenery’ growing on the roof of ‘The Railway Bar’. Clearly a careful eye is kept on this site as there was just the occasional item of litter to be seen.”

Kenyon Street (Grade A): “The wide pavement creates a great sense of space along this shopping street. Many of the individual shops are freshly presented and there was plenty of tree planting throughout.  As with Pearse Street, there didn’t appear to be any litter bins and yet it scored very well with regard to litter.”

Nenagh Recycling Centre (Grade A):  “This is a ‘managed’ facility, which was closed at time of IBAL survey. All appeared in very good order in front of the extensive number of recycle units. The surface was very fresh and clean.”

M7 connecting road between Nenagh and Limerick (Grade A): “The M7 motorway was excellently maintained with a virtual absence of litter to be seen. NB: parking bays harboured some litter.”

Commenting on the report, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Cllr Mattie Ryan welcomed it, saying “this portrays a very favourable image of the town of Nenagh and it is testament to the work by the business premises, the council staff, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tidy Towns Committee in keeping the town free of litter. I would like to commend everyone involved”.  

Cllr Ryan referred to the fact that Nenagh had now achieved bronze medal status in the Tidy Towns Competition for four years in a row and said it is only a matter of time before a silver medal is achieved. He appealed to the owners of premises to remain vigilant and to work with the local authority to keep the town looking as attractive as possible.  

Cllr Ryan mentioned the various incentives available including the painting and enhancement scheme and the window box scheme as being opportunities for the owners of premises to receive support in their efforts. 

 

Photograph by Odhran Ducie shows Tipperary County Council and Nenagh Tidy Towns representatives pictured at Nenagh Train Station, which
was deserving of “special mention” in the IBAL report. Pictured from left: Seamus O’Brien, Donnacha Ryan, Pa
Mitchell, Michael Ryan, Auven Melia, Mary Langton, Mary O’Brien, Tom O’Neill, Martin Langton, Seamus O’Brien.