Less Than 10% Of Irish Beaches And Rivers Are Litter-Free

Only 8% of Irish waterways are deemed "clean" in a new survey carried out by Irish Business Against Litter in its first examination of Ireland's rivers, harbours and coastal areas.

The amount of litter found will damage the tourism sector the group has warned.

The Irish Times is reporting that the most common forms of litter found were cans, plastic bottles, cigarette butts and sweet wrappers.

The IBAL survey concluded that efforts put into tourism initiatives like the 'Wild Atlantic Way' will be undermined if litter is continually found in scenic spots along the route.

So, basically a massive waste of money.

Doolin Pier in Co. Clare and Cork Harbour were named as the worst "litter blackspots."

An Taisce which carried out the survey on behalf of IBAL found only four out of 50 areas were considered "clean to European standards."

Salthill in Galway was considered clean and was “notable for a virtual absence of litter" throughout the beach, the car park, the changing rooms and the prom.

Popular beaches like Lahinch and Bundoran were both dirty with rubbish.

IBAL spokesman Conor Horgan said, "Sadly, accumulations of litter in and around waterways are a common sight in Ireland and this is borne out by these disappointing results,” Mr Horgan said.

He added: “If we can call our towns clean, we cannot say the same for the areas around our beaches and rivers. It took 10 years of naming and shaming for local authorities to get to grips with litter in our towns. IBAL has set about pushing for a similar turnaround in respect of coastal areas and waterways.”

Clean up after yourselves, lads.