Sligo Retains Crown as Ireland’s Cleanest Town in Latest IBAL Survey

Sligo has once again been officially named Ireland’s cleanest town, securing the top spot in the latest nationwide survey published by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).

The survey, conducted by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL, highlighted several standout features across Sligo.  Particular praise was given to its top-ranking approach roads, the “exceptionally freshly presented” Retail Park, and the “complete absence of litter” throughout the Great War Memorial Garden.

Encouragingly, this year’s results show continued progress nationwide, with only one location categorised as “littered,” and none falling into the more severe “seriously littered” or “litter blackspot” categories.

Welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, said the award reflects both sustained effort and a shared vision across the county:

“This recognition is a tremendous honour for Sligo and reflects the collective effort of our communities, businesses, and council staff.  Maintaining such high standards takes ongoing commitment, and I want to commend everyone involved in helping to keep Sligo clean, welcoming, and attractive for residents and visitors alike.  As we head into our peak tourism season, Sligo stands ready to welcome visitors with its absolute best foot forward.”

Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon, also welcomed the results:

“Retaining the title of Ireland’s cleanest town is a testament to the consistent and collaborative work happening across the county.  From our Tidy Towns volunteers, community groups, local businesses and our Council teams, this achievement highlights what can be accomplished when we work together with a shared vision for a cleaner, more sustainable environment.  We will continue to build on this progress—protecting our environment, supporting tourism, and ensuring our towns and public areas remain spotless throughout the year.”

IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan noted the broader national improvement:

“As the peak season for tourist visitors approaches, we have fewer littered areas than we’ve had at any time in the last 25 years.”