Annual South Clare Clean Up returns
- 7 locations will be targeted
- All encouraged to get involved
Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is pleased to announce that the annual South Clare Clean Up will proceed once again this year.
Volunteers of all ages are being asked to come forward and make themselves available on Friday, April 15th, to pick up litter and generally make the area look cleaner, tidier and more attractive for the residents.
“This is my 17th consecutive year organising springs cleans in the South Clare area,” said Deputy Crowe.
“They have, thankfully, been hugely successful in previous years and we even managed to hold a socially distanced one at the height of the Covid pandemic last year.
“I expect a large participation as usual as I know a great many of fantastic volunteers look forward to this day each year.
“The schedule will take in seven meeting points – we’ll begin at Westbury Church at 9:30am, Shannon Banks at 9:45 and Carraig Midhe at 10am.
“There’s two simultaneous starts in Meelick at 10:30am – one at The Tavern and the other at the community hall – then Parteen school at 10:45am and McMahon’s Bar in Ardnacrusha at 11am, so there’s plenty of scope for people to fall in wherever suits.
“For anybody that is in a position to help us out, I’m asking them to bring their own gloves and hand sanitisers while litter pickers and bags will be made available on the morning.
“There’s a shortage of hi-vis vests this year too so if anybody has one to bring, please do.
“All of the rubbish collected will be taken away and disposed of, thanks to Clare County Council and the Shannon Municipal District office and as per pervious, years An Taisce will be on board to help with the supply of bin bags and other materials involved in collection of rubbish.
“Over the years there has been a marked increase in illegally dumped materials right around the county but as always, rural areas bear the brunt of this.
“It’s awful to see some hazardous items like old appliances and even dead animals dumped haphazardly around the place and while the aim would be to ensure that these people are caught, that’s sadly not always possible.
“These are items that should be disposed of in a much safer, sanitary way and when this isn’t done, they pose a serious health and environmental risk.
“Sadly, the perpetrators don’t seem to care too much and while I wish these clean ups were not needed, it’s heartening to see that there are so many people out there who do, in fact, care about their community and want to see it looking its best so they participate in these events.”
-ENDS-
