Annual South Clare Spring Clean returns on April 1st
- 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 Spring Clean will proceed this year, in a safe, socially distanced manner.
Volunteers of all ages are being asked to come forward and make themselves available on April 1st, to pick up litter and generally make the area look cleaner, tidier and more attractive for the residents.
“This is my 16th consecutive year organising springs cleans in the South Clare area,” said Deputy Crowe.
“They have, thankfully, been hugely successful in times gone by but this year because of the Covid-19 restrictions, it will be different.
“Nonetheless, 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.
“Of course, we are still operating within a 5km limit on movement so if you are further out than that, you won’t be able to give us a hand this year unfortunately.
“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.
“I have seen a spike in my own locality in South Clare in particular and it can be particularly frustrating to see larger items such as fridges and mattresses thrown into hedgerows when they can easily be recycled at any one of the various sites around the county.
“Over the years, these clean ups have exposed some more alarming items dumped in the countryside including the carcasses of dead horses, bags full of soiled nappies and so on.
“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.
“During the clean, people are advised to either stay well apart and be by themselves or else remain in their own bubble to ensure social distancing is complied with and that we all stay safe. Please also bring your masks and any other PPE you feel you may need and I look forward to joining you on April 1st to give the place a proper cleaning!”
-ENDS-
