10/06/2026
The results for the Irish Business Against Litter survey have been released and we would like to pass on our warmest congratulations to Sligo Town for being named Ireland's Cleanest Town! In the nationwide ranking of 40 towns and cities, Sligo secured the top position.
Whilst Ballina has delivered a solid performance in the latest IBAL results, a town with no heavily littered sites and many areas already shining, it did "fall" down the ranks from position #10 to #16. However we know Ballina can do more than “solid”. We can lead. We can inspire. We can set the standard for every town in Ireland.
The report shows exactly where our next victories lie.
Ash Pool and a number of approach roads were just shy of the top grade, within touching distance of excellence. With a small push from residents, neighbours and volunteers, these areas can easily move into the highest category. A few extra hands, a few extra minutes and these routes into our town can become gateways we are proud of.
Pearse Street, the beating heart of Ballina, was praised for its excellent streetscape, but it fell short because of casually discarded litter. Imagine what a difference it would make if every business, every passer‑by, every one of us took ownership of that shared space. A single piece of litter lifted instead of ignored. A shopfront kept that little bit sharper. A moment of pride replacing a moment of carelessness. Pearse Street can be a top‑ranking site and it will be, if we want it to be.
And standing as a model for what Ballina can achieve is the Jackie Clarke Collection which was singled out for individual praise for being a beautifully presented, impeccably maintained and recognised as an amenity of the highest standard. It proves what we already know when Ballina commits to something, we deliver it with heart, pride and excellence.
Now is the moment to bring that same spirit to every corner of our town. So,
Let’s lift Ash Pool.
Let’s strengthen our approach roads.
Let’s elevate Pearse Street.
Let’s aim for nothing less than a top IBAL ranking in 2027.
This is our town. Our reputation. Our shared responsibility. And together, as volunteers, residents, businesses, schools and community groups, we can make Ballina not just clean, but exceptional. 2027 starts now.
TidyTowns Ireland SuperValu Ireland Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Mayo County Council Mayo.ie Moloney Supervalu Ballina Community Clean Up Ballina.ie & Ballina Chamber of Commerce Mayo Public Participation Network - PPN Greening Mayo Ballina CreditUnion Ballina Community Sports Centre
With summer beckoning, the latest IBAL litter survey is out this morning! How did your town or city do?
https://ibal.ie/litter-survey-shows-urban-areas-continuing-to-clean-up/