Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Tony Killeen has said he is encouraged at the improvement in the results of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) 2007 Litter League.

He noted that the levels of litter pollution have declined significantly since surveying first commenced in 2002 when just two towns achieved litter-free status, with 22 towns now achieving that standing.

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The Minister congratulated the towns that improved their position in 2007 and also those who maintained their litter-free status: "The battle against litter must be unrelenting, only through a sustained effort by all concerned - the public, businesses, local authorities and the Department - can we win this fight."

The Minister noted IBAL's report that Ireland is now almost as clean as its European neighbours.

He said the next step is to strive to "surpass" our European counterparts in 2008.

(GK/SP)