Dublin's Grand Canal Dock and Tolka River are two of the most polluted bodies of water in Ireland, according to new research.
Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) released their annual survey reviewing the cleanliness of beaches and harbours nationwide. The research showed that areas such as the Grand Canal Dock and the Tolka River in Fairview were classified as "severely littered."
The presence of litter at Grand Canal Dock was described as “jarring,” with food and alcohol waste being heavily visible in the area. The water near McMahon’s Bridge was highlighted as being severely polluted and a lack of litter awareness signs in the area was also mentioned as a concern.
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IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan said in a statement: “We had hoped that the decline in Covid-related litter might bring an improvement in overall cleanliness, added to the fact that many who staycationed last year would have travelled abroad this summer. Our most popular beaches are not heavily littered, but they’re not as clean as they should be.”
Only 8 out of the 33 areas surveyed nationwide were ranked as clean. IBAL, which is supported by environmental charity An Taisce, warned that continued complacency towards the state of Irish coastlines would have a negative impact on tourism, as well as contributing towards climate change.
Popular beaches such as Portmarnock and Skerries received a “moderately littered” status, a drop from previous years. Meanwhile, areas such as Dun Laoghaire, Bray’s seafront and Killiney were praised for low levels of littering. One positive was the obvious decline in Covid-related waste, with less face masks and gloves being visible in public areas.
However, coffee cups remained a significant concern, with IBAL warning that continued littering could have severe consequences for marine life. People were asked to be mindful of cleaning up after themselves while on the beach as a result of the dismal findings.
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