Cavan has once again maintained its position as one of the tidiest towns in the country according to the latest survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).

When details were announced on Monday, the county town was ranked third overall, up from eighth in the last league out of 53 areas across the country. Cavan has traditionally performed well in the IBAL league having topped it on a number of occasions, except for once when it fell to its lowest position 18th a number of years ago.

Neighbours Monaghan came fifth in the league, Trim second, Longford 20th and Navan 29th. Killarney took the accolade of cleanest town for the first time.

Thanks to the tremendous effort in recent years by the outdoor staff of the Town Council and the local Tidy Towns committee the county town has been regularly in the top 10.

Cavan Mayor, Paddy O'Reilly, was delighted to see Cavan so high up in the league. He complimented horticulturist Bernadette McGovern and her team for having magnificent floral displays, manicured green areas, and stunning after hanging baskets.

"It is a real team effort along with the Tidy Towns," he enthused.

The PRO of the local Tidy Town committee hoped the result augured well for the national Tidy Town results later this month. Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Eddie Brady said "It is a magnificent result, and I would like to compliment all those who worked so hard to having the town looking its best in recent weeks."

He paid special tribute to the outdoor staff of the council. During the Fleadh many people commented on how well the town looked and the floral arrangements were certainly eye catching, he added.

The latest league table showed two-thirds of towns and cities to be clean to European norms. IBAL warns that the economic downturn has led to specific litter problems, with vacant commercial properties, ghost estates and derelict sites an increasing issue. Sweet wrappers were the most prevalent type of litter, followed by cigarette butts, fast food wrappings, plastic bottles and chewing gum.