The report from the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) group indicted that levels of fast-food litter jumped 30% in 2007.

In the study Sligo was named as the dirtiest town in Ireland, while Nenagh, Tallaght and Mallow were also deemed ‘litter blackspots’.

However, the research did indicate that some businesses were getting better at dealing with their rubbish. In fact, 22 towns were described as “litter free”, compared to just two in 2002.

IBAL chairman Tom Kavanagh told the Irish Independent that he was encouraged by the results, but concerned about the rise in fast-food waste being left in the street.

“It is a shame that while overall litter levels are improving, some forms of litter are appearing more frequently,” he said.

James Cooper

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