Press Release issued 2^nd December 2008

South Dublin County, almost at litter free status

In October 2008, a comprehensive baseline litter survey was carried out throughout South Dublin County, resulting in the achievement of an overall cleanliness rating of 78 (out of 100) for the County. This result is the equivalent of the slightly littered IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) rating and is only one grade away from the IBAL litter free status.

The result records the continuing improvement in the standards in the County that has been recorded in recent IBAL surveys and has been welcomed by the Council. This reflects improvements since changes were made within Cleansing Services in late 2007.

Over 200 sites were surveyed in order to achieve the most comprehensive feedback for the entire County that would produce a litter report with a very high degree of accuracy. The survey carried out by An Taisce, who also conduct the IBAL surveys, painted a picture of a much cleaner and greener County.

The An Taisce survey found that the overall litter situation in the South Dublin County is "moderate with an overall Cleanliness Rating of 78 across the 5 electoral areas examined. This is 7 Cleanliness Rating points off litter-free status.

The survey report also finds that, of the 201 sites monitored, 77(38%) were classed as litter-free; 37(18%) were classed as very slightly littered while a further 57(28%) as slightly littered.

South Dublin County is now only one grade away from achieving litter free status commented John Quinlivan, Senior Executive Officer with the Councils Environment Department. This is a very encouraging result that recognises the work, effort and focus that is going into the litter issue. It is clear that the impact of changes to cleansing operations made last year and the implementation of the Litter Management Plan, following its adoption by the Council Members in May, is becoming more and more evident.

The An Taisce report also details the types of litter that are arising most frequently in the County and these findings will assist the Council in targeting specific litter types and areas in which those litter types occur.

The Council is looking forward to continuing to work towards the Litter Management Plan objective of a litter free county and taking the last step in achieving this. The Council aim of getting to a litter free County can only be achieved through a partnership of the elected Members and staff of the Council, local businesses and the community remaining vigilant in protecting what has been achieved so far.

For further information please contact Sorcha OBrien, Environmental Awareness Officer, South Dublin County Council.

ENDS

ISSUED 2^ND DECEMBER 2008