It's claimed improvements in personal behaviour will be the driving force in stamping out littering in Ennis.

The county town has fallen eight places in the latest Irish Business Against Litter rankings, which have just been published, with

An Taisce’s report determining the county town is no longer cleaner than European Norms.

Ten sites in Ennis were assessed as part of the judging process.

Half received an ‘A’ Grade, beginning with the Westfield Housing Estate, where inspectors commended house-proud beautiful flower arrangements and a complete absence of litter.

The dualcarriageway from Skehanagh Roundabout to Clare Abbey Roundabout was also recognised for its cleanliness, along with the approach road from the Kilrush Roundabout and the stretch from Rocky Road Roundabout to Kilrush Road Roundabout, which was described as a "very good impression, with a striking sculpture."

Cathedral Court rounded off the top tier ratings for its "well maintained residential site."

Merchants Square, O’Connell Street and Ennis Bus and Train Station each earned a B+ rating, with small amounts of litter noted in all.

Notably, judges described the public realm enhancements as "looking fantastic" and the station to be "much improved from its condition two years ago."

Issues with alcohol related litter in the grass and hedges were flagged at Kilrush Road Car Park, which received a B Grade.

The worst performing area in Ennis, meanwhile, was Dunnes Stores, where the surface area car park and store entrance, gave "the overall impression of a littered environment."

Most items were food related, along with significant quantities of receipts, with accumulations in trolley bays, grass verges and hedges.

IBAL Spokesperson Conor Horgan says the issues in Ennis are not major and require improvements in personal habits.

Ultimately Ennis was judged to be ‘clean to European Norms’ and finished 13th overall in the Irish Business Against Litter League for 2024; falling eight places on its position from six months ago.

Between March and September, Ennis Tidy Towns had a record number of volunteers collected an average of 20 bags of rubbish every night.

Ennis Tidy Towns member and Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says given their efforts, the result is disappointing, but believes there are simple initiatives that can change the tide.

Overall, Naas retained top spot and was one of 13 towns cleaner than European Norms.

Limerick City and Galway’s Inner-City were both judged to be littered, while Dublin’s North Inner City was the only ‘seriously littered’ area nationwide.