Working to attract investment to Longford and to make people proud

Longford Town has regained its ‘clean’ status and achieved its best result in 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.

Longford town was deemed to be 'clean' to European norms.

The An Taisce report for Longford town stated it was a 'very good result' for Longford and one of the best in a number of years with over half of the survey sites getting the top litter grade.

"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," the report added.

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Chairperson of Longford Tidy Towns, Michael Keenan said they are delighted by the results.

"I think it corroborates the superb news we got in November when the national tidy towns awarded a gold medal to Longford Tidy Towns for its performance in the national competition," he said.

"That was the first time ever for Longford town to get that award. It followed a silver award last year and a bronze award the previous year so there is a pattern of consistent improvement."

Mr Keenan stated the results show an increasing investment by all involved and particularly Longford County Council who purchased new equipment and added additional people.

He said there are up to 50 people involved who make a contribution to Longford Tidy Towns.

"I think the award reflects that additional investment but it also reflects substantial investment by volunteers over the last number of years and a big thank you to all involved," he added.

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

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There was praise for numerous Longford town areas from the judges who awarded the R393A approach road (from Padraic Colum Roundabout into the golf club entrance), the R393 Ardagh approach road and the deposit return scheme at Lidl the top A grade.

Mr Keenan praised the positive improvements in many parts of the county town.

“The Camlin River Walk is really part of the Mall, even though its separate ownership, that was delightful to see (the positivity)," he said. "It's one of the best parks in the country in my opinion, not only is it kept very tidily but they also invest significant resources in biodiversity and nature and it got a Green Flag again in 2024."

Mr Keenan stated the report also highlighted the work completed on the approach road.

"There was very strong praise for the Ballinalee approach road from Abbott in towards town," he said. "There is substantial money invested in that by the State and the council and also on the Dublin Road on what people call the Glennon's Roundabout coming into town, they were really welcome."

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".

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".

Mr Keenan insisted the IBAL survey results are wonderful and offer a big boost.

"It is a source of great pride for us all in Longford Tidy Towns when you hear so many people from other towns talk about how well Longford looks," he said. "That was not the case many years ago and I think it does attract investment and it makes people proud and we are delighted by that."

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Mr Keenan said Longford Tidy Towns are grateful for the huge effort and commitment by volunteers and committee members past and present.

"We think of former chairperson Andy O'Dowd, we think of great volunteer Eamon Ledwith and most recently a long term volunteer Dympna Donlon from Ardnacassa so they would be very proud at the moment."

The IBAL survey, which was conducted on October 8, 2024, found the Lidl Deposit Return Scheme was said to be in good order at the ‘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".

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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 and in very good condition.

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

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.

However, the report noted there were too many scattered items such as 'fast-food wrappers and mineral cans for the top litter grade', the report read.

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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".