Waterford has been named the cleanest city in Ireland and the third cleanest large  urban area in the country. The results of the latest IBAL Anti-Litter League survey  ranked the city third overall in the ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ category. Irish  Business Against Litter (IBAL) surveyed 42 towns and cities around the country  from January of this year, taking detailed photographic evidence of each site that  was surveyed. Last year’s winner, Kilkenny, was demoted to second place, by  Cavan. Tramore ranked 1oth overall in the listings, with Clonmel coming in  seventh. IBAL said that a growing concern in the country is the amount of vacant  premises in town centres. In Waterford, 17 out of the 20 sites city centre sites  surveyed received the top litter grade for cleanliness, including Hanover Street,  the Quay, Great George’s Street and the People’s Park. Outside the city, areas in  Ballybeg, WIT Sports Campus and Ferrybank, Tramore and Kilmeaden approach roads were all deemed to have ‘improved considerably’. The exterior of Waterford’s Bus Station was noted to be ‘moderately littered’ but a great deal better than in previous surveys. All aspects of Plunkett Station were considered in ‘very good order’, while Hanover Street received special mention for being ‘exceptionally well presented and maintained’. In Tramore, the Strand, Strand Road and Supervalu Shopping Complex were mentioned as being ‘not just top ranking but very fresh and clean in presentation’.