Lucan and Malahide among 'litter blackspots'

One of Dublin's wealthiest suburbs has a "serious litter problem", according to a new survey released today.

According to the survey carried out by An Taisce for lobby group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), Malahide is one of four areas with a serious problem. It ranks alongside Tallaght, Lucan and Drumcondra in terms of litter.

The dirtiest streets are in the city centre, Ballymun, Mulhuddart and Clondalkin, while Clontarf, Dalkey/Killiney, Leopardstown/Sandyford, Swords and Howth were named as the cleanest areas in Dublin.

Overall, Dublin reportedly has 12 per cent higher litter levels than the rest of the country, with fast food wrappers, ATM receipts and plastic bags being the main cause of the problem

The IBAL's Dr Tom Cavanagh said his group wanted to put pressure on local authorities to tackle the litter problem in the most heavily littered suburbs, especially those regarded as disadvantaged.

"A cleaner environment would instill a sense of pride in these areas, which in turn will foster more community response and increased business activity," he said, adding that it could be done quickly at relatively little cost.

Swords is an example of how an area can be transformed, Dr Cavanagh said. The suburb has gone from being a litter blackspot last year to being one of only five litter free areas in the capital this year. Finglas also recovered from being ranked as a blackspot last year to being rated "moderately littered".

Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Rathfarnham, Donnybrook, Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown are also in the "moderately littered" category.

The IBAL, which represents over 30 companies employing over 70,000 staff, is today unveiling its Anti-Litter League competition

The league - which operates with financial assistance from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government - covers all towns with a population of over 6,000. This year, 53 areas will be monitored independently by An Taisce in accordance with international grading standards.

Carlow was last year's winner of the cleanest town title. Trim, Co Meath is the 8/1 favourite with bookmaker Paddy Power to win this year.

Other front-runners include Cavan, Fermoy and Killarney (10/1). Dublin city centre is at a massive 100-1 to be the cleanest town in Ireland by the end of the year.