Further improvement for Roscommon in latest IBAL report

The latest IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) results has revealed Roscommon town has improved its ranking in the latest survey results announced today (Mon. June 8th). The county town is now ranked tenth out of forty towns and cities surveyed and is classified as ‘clean to European Norms.’

Today’s result represents an excellent result for Roscommon, with seven out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade. Among the top-ranking sites deserving of special mention in the report are the Main Street area described as ‘looking very well, with lovely paving, planter boxes and covered seating area.’

The report’s author’s emphasised the attractive features in the town’s main shopping street such as paving, the large planter boxes and covered seating areas. All elements were in very good order with properties described as well maintained and the overall impression with regards to litter was good. 

Loughnaneane Park also received the top litter grade with the report’s authors describing the park as ‘excellent with regards to litter and the playground,’ noting the Park’s PE equipment was in very good condition. Roscommon Castle was also classified as being exceptionally clear of litter, with all aspects of the visitor attraction in very good condition. 

The report’s authors also commended the ‘excellent signage’ within Loughnaneane Park indicating the historical significance of the park and Roscommon Castle. It also noted the playground and PE Equipment were in very good order and cited the large expanse of grass area as well maintained with a complete absence of litter throughout.

Also in receipt of an A Grade marking was the N61 Boyle Road Approach which was described in the report as an ‘exceptionally freshly presented approach route, with all elements in very good order’. The report noted there was an abundance of greenery at the roundabouts with the overall area described as ‘excellent with regards to litter.’ 

Further A grades were recorded for the N63 Longford Approach Road where the report noted there was a virtual absence of litter along the route. The overall impression was positive, with all elements in very good order with well-maintained properties.

The Clauin Fraoigh residential area also came in for special praise, also receiving an ‘A’ Grade. with very clear and freshly presented signage. The ‘Please help Keep our Neighbourhood Safe, Clean and Tidy, Thank You From The Cluain Fraoigh Residents Association meant there was complete absence of litter throughout the development and the small area with play equipment was in good condition.

The highest possible grade were also recorded for the area where the Deposit Return Scheme, is located at Dunnes Stores where it was noted there was a virtual absence of litter at the small ‘in-store’ facility. The nearby Shopping Centre received a B+ designation.

The N60 Racecourse Road approach to the town received a Grade B grading, which was freshly presented with colourful signage. Most of the route was clear of litter, bar one isolated location at the former ‘Roscommon Sunblind Company’ premises.

Speaking following the publication of the report, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, hailed the latest findings of the IBAL Litter League survey, complementing the level of co-operation between many stakeholders.

“These latest findings are a fine reflection of the work being undertaken by local volunteers, Area Office staff, and our Environment team here in Roscommon County Council. Our Town Team, local business, local Tidy Towns Committee members and other stakeholders have worked tremendously hard to deliver these positive results.

“Today’s findings give everyone the motivation to build on these findings and further enhance the appearance of our county town. First impressions of any town, particular the absence of litter, inspire great local pride, but also encourage visitors to return to visit Roscommon and even invest in the town.

“Again, I’d like to commend everyone who has helped to deliver such a strong and positive result for Roscommon town. Together with our built heritage and attractive public realm, our town is increasingly becoming a ‘go-to destination for visitors to Roscommon,” Mr. Tiernan concluded.

Established in 1996, the Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity - notably in the areas of tourism, food, and direct foreign investment - is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment. As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, An Taisce monitors towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards.