Ennis is Ireland's second cleanest town

The number of litter-free areas around the country is at an all-time high, according to the latest survey by the Irish Business Against Litter organisation.

The group says that more than two-thirds of towns inspected as part of the survey were found to be free of litter.

Wexford is ranked as the cleanest town ahead of Ennis, while Athlone and Mallow were the only litter blackspots. Arklow is also described as seriously littered.

Most Irish towns are litter free

The number of litter-free areas around the country is at an all-time high, according to the latest survey by the Irish Business Against Litter organisation.

The group says that more than two-thirds of towns inspected as part of the survey were found to be free of litter.

Wexford is ranked as the cleanest town ahead of Ennis, while Athlone and Mallow were the only litter blackspots. Arklow is also described as seriously littered.

K Club shoots for the stars

The owners of the K Club hotel and golf resort are defying the recession with an application for permission to extend the five-star venue, reports the Sunday Business Post.

The planned works include a spa and pool complex, 350-seater ballroom with bar, a new entrance foyer and drop off point, new kitchen and extension of ancillary accommodation on the ground floor. There will also be internal remodelling and refurbishment of all three storeys of the existing east wing and alterations to the facade.

Under the plan, the single storey leisure centre, which was built in the 1980s, would be removed at the south-east end of the hotel, though it will be partially reinstated. An additional 46 parking spaces will also be created by extending the existing car park.