Longford found to be ‘clean’ in latest national litter survey with glowing praise for many areas

Longford Town has regained its ‘clean’ status and achieved its best result in a several years, according to the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) report.

The county town finished in 23rd position in the survey of 40 towns and cities across Ireland.

The positive report noted over half of survey sites received the top litter grade and these included areas such as Camlin River Walk, Longford Court House and Mall Amenity Park.

Other Longford Town areas that received glowing praise and highest marks were the Albert Reynolds Peace Park and Lidl on the Dublin road.

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The An Taisce report for Longford town stated, "A very good result for Longford, one of the best in a number of years with over half of the survey sites getting the top litter grade," it read. "Examples of these included Camlin River Walk, Longford Court House and Mall Amenity Park – the latter is a wonderful park environment with an extensive range of facilities, all in very good order."

There was a notable mention in relation to improvement work at the Harbour Point apartments compared to a previous visit, despite it being described as still "somewhat littered".

A breakdown of the various Longford town areas by the judges awarded the R393A approach road (from Padraic Colum Roundabout in to golf club entrance), the R393 Ardagh approach road and the deposit return scheme at Lidl the top A grade.

The R393 Approach Road was described as a "clean and litter free approach to Longford town with all aspects in good order (such as) road surface, markings and signage, with lovely lush vegetation at Padraic Colum Roundabout".

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Meanwhile, the R393 Ardagh approach road was described as making a good impression and having a "virtual absence of litter along this somewhat more rural route, set in mature planting".

The Lidl Deposit Return Scheme was said to be in good order at this ‘in-store’ facility, with a dedicated area for any surplus fluids.

Lidl was also awarded a grade B+ for their freshly presented shopping environment with attractive surroundings to the store
and colourful low-lying planting around the perimeter.

The report stated the litter bin was in good condition and this site just missed the top litter grade and there was "not much effort required to attain it".

Elsewhere, there was positive feedback for Harbour Point where the overall presentation of the area was good and a Grade B was awarded.

The report stated while there was an improvement noted on previous IBAL visit, there "were still food related litter items scattered on the grass and in the shrubbery".

The built environment of Longford Court House was described as being freshly presented with railings, paving
in very good condition.

The IBAL survey found the "colourful planting in the immediate vicinity is a welcome feature".

It also stated there did not appear to be any litter bins or cigarette butt disposal unit, however "perhaps the ‘bucket’ at building entrance is a receptacle for same?

The Camlin River Walk was described as a lovely riverside environment with signage, paving, railings in
good condition and it achieved a grade B+ score.

"The overall impression with regards to litter was generally quite good but there were too many scattered items (such as) fast-food wrappers and mineral cans for the top litter grade," the report read.

There was glowing praise for the Mall Amenity Park, which was described as a "wonderful expanse of park land with plenty of open space throughout and ducks ambling along the grass".

The IBAL survey also found the wooden play equipment, signage, dog fouling facilities and litter bins were in very good condition and the area was excellent with regards to litter – all very fitting for a ‘Green Flag Award’ Park.

Elsewhere, Bridgeway Business Park achieved a grade C score.

The report stated the majority of the communal areas of this business park were "well presented with individual premises in good order".

However, the assessment found there was one isolated area (to the rear of Reilly Brothers premises) which was not just littered but dumped upon with a washing machine, old piping and various other miscellaneous items.

"This area is likely to attract similar behaviour if not addressed," the report warned.

The N63 approach road was praised as being an exceptionally freshly presented route with bicycle path and fresh looking
paving.

The area was awarded a Grade A score and it was described as looking very well, with an absence of litter throughout.