The latest litter survey shows areas of Dublin that tourists are likely to visit have become cleaner.
According to the latest results issued by Irish Business Against Litter, Dublin has scored one of its best marks ever in the survey.
However, checks by teams over the summer found the problem with rubbish in some residential areas has got worse.
The North Inner City and Ballymun have been singled out as particular problem areas.
There were several blackspots in Ballymun, which suffered from widespread dumping, according to the report.
Conor Horgan from Irish Business Against Litter said the study tells two different stories.
"Our surveys have consistently revealed a disparity in cleanliness between our city centres on the one hand, and neglected city areas on the other".
He said the disparity "has never been more acute than this year – our city centres are cleaner, while disadvantaged urban areas are more littered".
The report for Dublin City Centre noted "a virtual absence of litter" along many high footfall streets and that the city's shopping streets "presented very well" this summer.
The most recent statistics available on litter enforcement show the cost of litter wardens is 10 times greater than the revenue collected through litter fines.
While the cost of the service has risen over the past 6 years, the revenues collected have halved from €1.7m to €0.84m.
