Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) inspectors are due in Drogheda shortly and the #LookingGoodDrogheda Campaign has issued a request for all businesses and residential groups “to take every possible step to keep the town’s streets and public spaces clear of rubbish, litter and any signs of neglect.”
In a perfect world such requests wouldn’t be necessary, but Drogheda has fared very badly in these inspections in recent years and is currently ranked 32nd out of 39 towns thanks to the uncaring attitude and downright vandalism of a small minority.
Things are improving however, and the goal is to get to “Clean to European Standards” and then continue to make incremental progress and improvements on a continuous basis.
“A tremendous amount of work has been carried out by businesses, Louth County Council, Community groups, Drogheda Tidy Towns, the Chamber of Commerce, street groups and resident associations over the last number of months and we are asking that this effort is continued over the foreseeable future” said the Chief Executive of Love Drogheda BID, Trevor Connolly.
“Work is ongoing in trying to reduce litter on our town and with illegal dumping. We need everyone to continue to help by cleaning up outside your premises.
Drogheda Tidy Town’s Kevin Callan said that efforts by multiple groups and agencies are making an impact but that we need “all shoulders to the wheel” in the next month.
“We are coordinating with groups such as Louth County Council, Tidy Towns, Love Drogheda BIDs and Drogheda & District Chamber. Multiple schools and residents’ groups are also on the ground working on the town.
“We are focusing on key areas such as our entry roads and public spaces but we need to keep going and do as much as possible. This rating is national news and impacts on us as a community and as a town, this is the type of publicity that can help or hinder trade, inward investment and tourism”.
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Drogheda & District Chamber’s Robert Murray added, “This is not a drill. IBAL judging is imminent, and we have an excellent opportunity now to be recognised as a town that is clean to European norms – but we all must play our part. If you see litter outside your premises, or on the street, please put it in the bin. We should all encourage those around us to do the same and be proud to say, it’s #LookingGoodDrogheda!”.
Mayor Michelle Hall said ” the Looking Good Drogheda collaborative campaign has been successful in improving the cleanliness and aesthetic of our town and we need to not just keep up this standard but also look to improve our standing.
The Mayor also expressed thanks to all those who come out daily and weekly to improve their immediate environments. “Let’s put the push on to get Drogheda not just looking good but looking great” she said.
Trevor Connolly, CEO of LoveDrogheda BIDS said: “In the most recent report we moved up 7 places and we need everyone to play their part in keeping and improving Drogheda’s appearance every day!
“Small steps to reduce, reuse and recycle will help us to keep moving forward as a clean and green town.
