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Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on 3rd January broadly welcomed the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) 2017 survey results and congratulated the communities and Councils across Ireland for their hard work during the past year. Minister Naughten highlighted the special effort made by the people and businesses of Ennis and Clare County Council which has borne fruit today as Ennis is named Ireland’s cleanest town.

Minister Naughten is pleased to note the overall results of the litter league which show that 80% of towns and cities in Ireland were found by the IBAL survey, to be as clean as or cleaner than their European counterparts. However, the Minister is concerned by the areas that were deemed to be seriously littered.

“The success achieved across the country in the 2017 Litter League shows that, collectively, we are continuing to improve the situation. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Ireland still has a significant issue with litter and according to the IBAl survey chewing gum, cigarette butts and cans continue to be major sources of litter. It is important that we continue to work together to win the fight. Ultimately, it is a matter for each of us to take personal responsibility by disposing of waste and litter in an appropriate manner, in order to preserve and protect our environment for all of us to enjoy.”

Minister Naughten has concluded by congratulating the communities and councils of Roscommon and Kildare who were again placed in the top three rankings this year.