BUNDORAN, Co Donegal, is the messiest town in the State Dollymount Strand, in north Dublin, and Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, are not much better, while Glendalough, Co Wicklow, is one of the cleanest villages, according to a survey.
The survey, which was carried out last October and was published yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, gives Littleton, Co Tipperary - on the Dublin Cork road - a share of top points [with Glendalough.
As part of his "anti litter" initiative, the Minister aims to confer stronger enforcement powers on local authorities and establish new procedures for litter control and zoning. Litter control costs local authorities at least £20 million annually.
Under a new Bill which will replace the existing 1982 Litter Act, organisers of major events and "litter creating" businesses will be obliged to take responsibility for cleaning up. Mr Howlin said that he intends to publish the Bill before the summer and have it enacted by the end of the year.
Education packs are being sent to schools next month, and the Tidy Towns Competition will be more closely aligned with the campaign, called Action Against Litter.
The State wide litter survey was carried out by M.C. O'Sullivan Consultant Engineers for the Department of the Environment in October. Some 26 different locations and a total of 134 sites were surveyed, representing a geographical spread and urban rural diversity.
The survey recommends that local authorities be given guidance on litter control practice, including liaison with local residents, voluntary groups and the general community. The need for public awareness campaigns and education is also highlighted.
