Kilkenny City is cleaner than ever as the peak visitor season approaches.

Kilkenny topped the pole for a clean litter free environment for the 5th time. Litter levels were assessed in 40 towns and cities across the country by An Taisce, who found 31 of them, or 77% to be clean.

An Taisce complimented Kilkenny on "returning to a place it has been many times - the top of the IBAL table and advised that the entire area was pristine."

Set up in 1996, Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity - notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment - is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.

As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, An Taisce monitors towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards.

"Kilkenny County Council are delighted to once again top the pole at the start of a new term for our Elected Council" says Sean McKeown, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council. "Keeping Kilkenny clean and litter free requires not only significant financial investment but investment in education and awareness and enforcement which the Environment Section of the Council delivers on and will continue to develop. He also paid tribute to the significant input of voluntary groups particularly Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and Kilkenny Sub Aqua who play a major role in keeping our roadways, streets and rivers clean and litter free".

Kilkenny County Council has a zero tolerance approach to illegal dumping in order to protect public health and keep our City clean. The Council asks members of the public to play their part by reporting illegal dumping activity by calling the litter hotline on 1800-200-156.

Members of the public who are unsure how or where they should dispose of their waste can contact the Environment Section on 056-7794470 or visit www.mywaste.ie - Ireland's official guide to managing your waste where you will find everything you need to know about how to manage your waste responsibly and efficiently. The site can also be used to locate local waste services, recycling facilities, information on preventing, reusing and disposing of waste.

For further information, contact Mary Cashin, A/Environmental Awareness Officer, Kilkenny County Council. 056-7794470 or 087-7910024.