Date: 5 May 2021
Green Party TD, Deputy Steven Matthews was speaking following the funding announcement by Minister Eamon Ryan. The €5 million fund for local authorities is to help tackle litter issues arising from increased outdoor activities. Discussing the funding, Deputy Matthews said:
“Firstly, it should be said that Wicklow County Council are doing their upmost to tackle what we’ve all noticed to be an increase in public litter, particularly in recent weeks. To the council’s credit, any litter black spots that I have raised with them have been cleaned up quickly but the news of extra funding is hugely welcome as we face into what we all hope will be an enjoyable and active summer. The Government has already provided significant funding for local authorities to develop outdoor spaces and for businesses to purchase outdoor furniture funding and now we are providing extra money to manage litter in those public places”.
“As the economy re-opens, and Wicklow prepares for an outdoor summer, we will enjoy a much higher level of outdoor dining and socialising, and local authorities have had to increase their spending on recycling and litter facilities. The funding will add more recycling and litter facilities to meet increased demand and I understand will include bins, dog litter bags and litter picking equipment. This will assist the safe outdoor re-opening of society as we gradually emerge from current COVID-19 public health restrictions.
“I look forward to working with Wicklow County Council on this issue in terms of highlighting key target areas for litter reduction, the addition of public bins in prominent locations and the frequent emptying of these bins, particularly on weekends.
“We all are looking forward to getting outside more over the summer to catch up with family and friends and the onus is on Wicklow County Council to ensure that sufficient facilities are in place in terms of their waste management strategy. However, while this funding for local authorities is welcome, it doesn’t take away from our own personal responsibilities in terms of cleaning up after ourselves. I ask that people take personal responsibly for their litter, place it in a bin or if no bin is available, they take their rubbish home with them and dispose of it correctly, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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