LITTER IMPROVEMENT
SLIGO has achieved “Cleaner than European Norms” status in the summer survey of litter levels by Irish Business Against Litter. The town has climbed 12 places to 8th spot in the ranking of 40 towns and cities. The An Taisce report stated: “An excellent result for Sligo with eight out of ten sites getting the top litter grade. What was noticeable about some of these sites wasn’t just that they scored well with regard to litter but also exceptionally well presented and maintained.”
Carraroe Church (St. Johns) and Environs: Grade A. The grounds of the church were well maintained and clean and tidy. All aspects of the area surveyed were in very good order – it was spotless throughout
Carraroe Community Centre: Grade A. This is a small area with facility with parking. The building was in good order, and there was a colourful mural on one gable wall. There was a complete absence of litter.
Approach from Junction at R287: Grade B. This route leading into Sligo was somewhat littered with sweet papers, fast-food wrappers and coffee cups very much in evidence. The road surface and markings were in good condition.
Scoil Naomh Éanna Cearra Rua: Grade A. One of the most striking features of this school was the level of planting. Clearly it is a much loved and respected environment – the grounds were in very good order with colourful planting and greenery throughout. The paving area directly outside the school grounds was also in very good condition. Scoil Eannaan Cearra Rua was a top ranking site throughout.
R284 from L3603 Approach – Dromahar / Ballisadare: Grade A. The impression created travelling along this road into Sligo was a positive one. It is lined with very well cared for properties and it scored very well with regard to litter.
Cairn’s Drive: Grade A. There was a complete absence of litter at this residential area. The grounds of the individual properties were well presented and the small green area was in very good condition.
Cleveragh Park: Grade A. Cleveragh Park is a wonderful public park and pathway, incorporating trails for running / cycling and boasting great views. The car parking area and open green space were very well maintained. There was a great sense of space associated with this site and it all looked very well and was completely clear of litter.
Recycle Bank at Regional Sports Grounds: Grade A. A small facility for the recycling of bottles/cans and clothing. One of the green clothing bins was very old and rusty. Apart from this unit the remainder of the facility was very fresh in appearance. Signage was clear and clean and the area immediately surrounding the bins was clear of all litter.
Wine Street: Grade A. (from Bridge over river to traffic lights) A long stretch of road with an attractive streetscape – a mix of old and some new buildings.Flower beds and seating were in good order. Pavement was quite old along some parts, but not necessarily in poor condition. There was a virtual absence of litter along Wine Street.
N5 – N17 – N4 Connecting Road to Castlebar: Grade B. The N4 section of the road from Sligo to the junction with the N17 had a very definite litter presence. The stretch of road (N5) leading to Castlebar had light scatterings of litter.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Martin Baker said: “This is excellent news for the people of Sligo, and is deserved recognition of the tremendous work being carried out by our Council staff and Tidy Towns volunteers. The report highlighted the fact that the sites inspected were not only clear of litter, but also exceptionally well presented and maintained, and this is a tribute to our Roads and Parks staff who take great pride in enhancing our parks and recreation areas.”
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather said: “The Tidy Towns programme has energised our communities. I am delighted to see these efforts formally acknowledged, Sligo County Council looks forward to continuing our support for the Tidy Towns volunteers as they seek to build on this result.”