CELEBRATIONS: Locals volunteers are this week celebrating as Killarney came second in the Irish Business Against Litter League (IBAL). Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Killarney proved that it is up there when it comes to cleanliness as it was this week named second cleanest town in Ireland – in the Irish Business Against Litter League (IBAL).

Killarney came just behind Kilkenny who took the top spot, with Tralee placed sixth in the ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ category against 40 towns and cities nationally in the 17th year of the IBAL Anti-Litter League.

The An Taisce report for Killarney stated: ‘Killarney stands out for its consistent cleanliness - a great tribute to the businesses and community in this busy tourist town. With so many top ranking sites, there were some which deserve a special mention – the shopping streets at New Street, Plunkett Street and College Streets were all very good with regard to litter. Court House & Environs wasn’t just clean but was also very well presented and maintained. It was great to see the Recycle Facility at New Street Car Park so clean and tidy. High Street was moderately littered, as was the connecting road to Limerick’.

Cllr Michael Gleeson, Mayor Killarney Municipal District congratulated all involved.

“The continued excellent work of the Council outdoor staff ensures that the roads and laneways are always presented well. We are deeply grateful for their dedication. A very special thank you to the members of Killarney Looking Good committee and to the many volunteers who give so generously of their time to help ensure that litter is quickly removed from the roadsides, particularly on the approach roads to the town. Thanks to all people, locals and visitors who take their litter home for proper disposal. It is our fervent hope, that the great commitment will continue and that the overall standard of cleanliness will improve still further. Our objective is to soon become the overall winner. I make a special request to users of chewing gum not to deposit the used material on to the footpaths. If we all work together we can achieve great results for our town.”