Kilkenny city completed a clean sweep of litter awards today as it added top spot in the latest Irish Business Against Litter rankings to last September’s Tidy Towns triumph.
For the third year in a row, the Marble City lived up to its name and annexed the coveted accolade above competitors such as Cavan, Longford and Tramore.
"It is a great achievement to win this prestigious award for the third year in a row. Kilkenny is used to getting hat-tricks on the hurling pitch but it is great to see we are scoring off the pitch also," said chairman of Kilkenny Tourism Colin Ahern following this morning's announcement in Dublin.
"This win is a culmination of hard work and commitment from local authorities, local businesses and community organisations such as Keep Kilkenny Beautiful working together," he said.
“There is a great team spirit in Kilkenny with each citizen taking pride in their city and working to make sure we put our best side out for the thousands of visitors who come here every year. The more people who visit us the better it is for the economy so it’s a win for everybody.”
Litter awards have become something of an industry for the area over recent years, which netted a total of €17,000 for its three Tidy Towns trophies won last year.
There may be a history of enmity between Kilkenny and Cork on the sporting stage, but that hasn't stopped the Cork-based Irish Tree Centre from donating a suite of Emperor Lime trees in recognition of the city's latest achievement.
Things aren't looking as green or clean for parts of the Rebel city's northside, however, as Farranree overtook Dublin's north inner city as Ireland's worst litter blackspot.
Consistently pinpointed as one of the country’s most derelict districts, the northern half of Dublin’s fair city claimed a qualified victory as it finally managed to shake off the unenviable mantle of litter blackspot, although it remains the second dirtiest place in the State.
Amiens Street retained its blackspot status, while nearby areas such as Parnell Square were cited for "long-term neglect and dumping".