merrion street

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton T.D. today (Monday the 6^th January 2020) congratulates Kilkenny, on their success of topping the 2019 Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League for a record 4^th time.

Minister Bruton welcomes the fact that 2019 saw the first year in which all of Ireland’s city centres were deemed clean. They have achieved a 13% reduction in litter over the decade, which shows what can be achieved.

Minister Bruton said

However, it is disappointing to see a less consistent picture across our towns, where despite some star performers like Kilkenny, Killarney and Swords, some have slipped backwards. My Department is preparing to launch a major strategy on Waste. This is the opportunity to see all sections of our community to step up to the plate. The scourge of single use plastics and cigarette butts are again highlighted and this is an area where I am determined to reverse trends. There is also a stark message for all of us in the widening gap in cleanliness between deprived areas and the High Street.