*Mountshannon.
Two Clare coastal areas have been described as ‘clean to European norms’ whilst one popular tourist spot was labelled ‘moderately littered’ in a report published today (Thursday).
In its latest nationwide survey, business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) found that 40 per cent of 32 areas surveyed were clean, but there was a rise in areas branded ‘littered’ or ‘heavily littered’.
Beaches, harbours, rivers and their immediate environs were monitored by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in June and July.
According to the report, Lahinch and Mountshannon were commended for their cleanliness, which was categorised as ‘clean to European standards.’ It referenced that at Lahinch, “the promenade was excellent with regard to litter and there was a virtual absence along the beach area,” whilst Mountshannon was depicted as, “very freshly presented and well-maintained environment, with a virtual absence of litter throughout”.
Doolin featured in the less desirable category of ‘moderately littered’, despite the report emphasising that improvements have been made with regards to litter in recent years. The pier car park and the overflow car park were both areas of concern identified.
It was also noted that “cigarette butts were particularly prevalent, with lower levels of a variety of food-related items most notably fast-food wrappers and sachets of ketchup / vinegar. Red and white plastic industrial tape was tied around a pole and flapping about, creating a poor impression. The most obvious blot on the landscape was the building related materials in the car park and long-lie pieces trapped in the rocks with levels of which were quite significant”.
The report, which was last completed in 2019 due to the pandemic, concluded by highlighting that many coastal areas had slipped from ‘moderately littered’ to ‘littered.’ There were no Clare coastal areas included in this final category.
