The latest Irish Businesses Against Litter league rankings have been criticised for thier narrow focus by Ennis Tidy Towns
Clare's county town is now in 23rd position and is rated as clean to European norms – with IBAL admitting the town would need to be flawless to get into the top ten.
In 2013 Ennis was ranked in 33rd position by IBAL inspectors which had rated the town as being clean to European standards – a title it retains for 2014.
However a number of problem areas have been highlighted by the An Taisce inspectors – particularly the Mill Road River Walk which was found to be seriously littered.
The report picked Clare Leisure World, Garden of Remembrance and Recycle Facility at Ennis Shopping Centre as areas which were not just clear of litter but well presented and maintained.
Chairperson of IBAL Conor Horgan says it's important to emphasize the jump of ten places in the past 12 months:
However Ennis Tidy Towns has criticised the way the ranking system runs.
While acknowledging this year's improvement Cllr Mary Howard, a volunteer with Tidy Towns, says IBAL has too narrow a focus and she'd like to see more involvement with the community.
Conor Horgan has admitted its extremly difficult to move up the rankings.
