Discarded Covid masks contribute to City losing its ‘clean’ status in latest IBAL survey

A series litter issue in Galway has resulted in the city losing its ‘clean’ status in the latest round of the ‘Irish Businesses Against Litter’ (IBAL) survey.

The report, published this week, has accused the City Council and other local authorities nationwide of ‘failing to address’ rising waste issues – with disposed facemasks creating a litter pandemic on city streets.

Galway, which had been keeping on top of the issue for some time, dropped to 24th in a list of 40 large urban centres ranked by the survey – branded ‘moderately littered’ by the An Taisce report.

Despite a number of well-kept areas, the city was let down by litter blackspots which, according to the report, could be rectified by an improved effort locally.

“Several heavily littered sites saw Galway City lose its clean status this time round. Top-ranking sites included Bohermore Community Centre, the residential area of Carraig Bán [Coolough Road], Recycle Facility (Dyke Road) many of the approach routes and St Mary’s Dominican Priory, Claddagh – these were not just good with regard to litter but were well-presented and maintained,” stated the report.

“The Newcastle approach road, Tower House Centre [Tuam Road], unusual for a shopping centre, Market Street Car Park and the front of the Holy Trinity NS were heavily littered. Several sites just missed getting the top litter grade. With a little extra effort this could be attained e.g., Cooke’s Terrace, Galway Hibernians’ Football Club, residential area at Glenanail Drive [Tuam Road] and Eyre Square – the latter was adorned with a Christmas Market and looked very well.”

Ballybane, which has long been stuck with a ‘littered’ status, had improved slightly during this latest inspection which was carried out last month, but failed to attain a higher grade.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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