The ongoing Pandemic could be leading to higher levels of litter across the Shannonside Northern Sound region.
That's according to Conor Horgan from Irish Business Against Litter, who says people are worried about the infection risk of picking up someone else's litter.
Health restrictions are also hampering litter collection efforts with travel curtailed and people urged not to gather in groups.
Figures released from the final Irish Business Against Litter survey of 2020, show Cavan, Roscommon, Longford and Monaghan have all slipped down the IBAL rankings for 2020.
Inspections were conducted by An Taisce in 37 towns and cities across the country.
In Roscommon, two litter blackspots combined with the poor condition of the recycling facility were a key part in the Town slipping to 20 on the list and receiving a designation of moderately littered.
In Longford, the Bring Bank at the County Library and stretches along the N63 were recorded as having high levels of litter.
The Tesco Car Park and Supervalu Shopping Centre in Cavan Town were also recorded as areas that needed more work.
In Monaghan, The Diamond Centre and the Long Stay Car Park on Broad Road were some of the main causes resulting in the town dropping through the national rankings.
Nationally, litter levels rose in 24 of the 37 towns, with Kilkenny topping the list and Ballymun in Dublin finishing last.
Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show, the IBAL spokesperson says Roscommon has plummeted down the rankings when compared to last year:
He also hopes that Cavan will regain their clean status this year:
