Maynooth University has been praised for its "spotless" campus and “its lovely planting and sculptures”, helping to clinch the top spot for Maynooth in a nationwide litter-free ranking.
The County Kildare town was named as the cleanest of 40 towns and cities in the final litter survey of 2023, conducted by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).
An Taisce, which carried out the survey on behalf of IBAL, awarded Maynooth University Grade A status in its detailed report and commended the university on its cleanliness.
“Not only was this campus spotless throughout, but it was also exceptionally freshly presented and maintained, enhanced by lovely planting and sculptures. The whole campus is a credit to the students and users of same – very fitting for a Green Flag Campus,” the report said.
Maynooth University was recently awarded An Taisce’s Green Campus Flag for the second time in recognition of its progress in areas such as carbon emission reduction and advances in sustainability. The University was also a finalist in two categories of the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland, which recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities and colleges.
Speaking about Maynooth’s success in the litter-free rankings, Stephen Seaman, Maynooth University Grounds Supervisor said MU works to educate new students, “to instil that sense of the importance of recycling and putting the rubbish in the right bins.”
MSU President Alex Balfe said: “It goes to show that students do care about the environment and that they do their part to make sure that the environment is being protected in Maynooth.”
She noted that after big events in Maynooth, students are out the next morning to pick up litter while MU is also tackling an increase in the use of disposable vapes on campus. “We’ve implemented a number of vape bins where we’ll take them apart and make sure that the batteries are disposed of properly,” she said.
The Cathaoirleach of Clane/Maynooth Municipal District, Councillor Tim Durkin, was presented with the award yesterday.
