People across Waterford who are tired of illegal dumping and littering have taken matters into their own hands.
The scourge of illegal dumping, while everpresent, seems to have grown during the pandemic. Now groups and individuals all over the county, who are sick of the problem are going out gathering the rubbish on their own initiative.
Discussing the issue at the recent meeting of councillors in the Comeragh district, Kilmacthomas Cllr Ger Barron described the individuals as 'wonderful':
"There are a couple of wonderful groups doing this work week in and week out and without them I'd hate to think what the place would be like, but what I've noticed recently is some individuals are doing this work off their own bat. As far as I know they're not attached to any of the groups, like the tidy towns or guardians of the copper coast who go out every weekend."
He said the groups should be given support.
Kilmeaden Litter Lifters are volunteers who over the past 5 weeks have collected over 178 Bags of Litter in the Kilmeaden - Ballyduff area.
We urge people passing in their cars to bring their litter home instead of throwing it from the car. Together we can make things happen. pic.twitter.com/8HqJEKpzzZ— Waterford City & County Council (@WaterfordCounci) April 1, 2021
Luke O'Brien from Waterford City and County Council's Environment Department says the local authority will support them:
"Waterford City and County Council are supporting individuals and households who wish to take part in litter clean up. We ask that they remain within their 5k. We're not encouraging large groups to litter pick but we are encouraging individuals and household groups to carry out litter picks, share photos of what they have picked and identify the locations."
The Peoples Park #Waterford at 8am today #BringHomeYourRubbish Why should @WaterfordCounci have to clean up after you pic.twitter.com/PBppFJfl2h
— Parishpumppolitics (@Parishpolitics) March 31, 2021
Cllr Frank Quinlan has also praised the efforts of those in Waterford city who have been tackling the issue directly over the Easter weekend. He says that bags, gloves and litter picks can be borrowed from the council, and if anyone in the city area is interested to contact him for more information.
Wow 🤩 What an amazing response from kids and parents all over #waterfordcity over the weekend taking pride in their neighbourhoods . Fantastic effort from everyone, litter is in our streets , in our parks and in our hands to reduce it. Well done 👏👏@WaterfordCounci @wlrfm pic.twitter.com/OJQCMJ1wZP
— Cllr Frank Quinlan (@FrankQuinlan1) April 5, 2021
