€63k funding to clean up Clare

A total of €63,000 has been allocated to help the county clean up its act when it comes to littering and illegal dumping.

A total of €40,000 in funding has been approved to tackle illegal dumping in Clare, with a further €23,000 pledged to crack down on litter, dog fouling and graffiti.

Minister of State Breen said the aim of this funding, allocated by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment under the Anti-Dumping Initiative, is to reduce illegal dumping and nuisance litter by providing finance for projects tackling the problem.

“The idea is to develop an integrated and effective combined approach with local authorities, communities and other state agencies.

“This funding will empower people across Clare to take action against those in society who commit criminal acts against their communities by wilfully and irresponsibly dumping their waste and spoiling the most valuable asset we have – our natural environment,” added Minister Breen.

“A wide range of clean-up and restorative projects led by community, environmental and sporting groups from have been approved for funding in Ennis, Kilkishen, Quin, Kilrush, Bunratty, Wookcock Hill and Inagh. A Mattress Amnesty for County Clare has also been included in the funding.”

Separately, an allocation of €23,00 has been provide to tackle graffiti, dog fouling and litter in Clare.

“I want to pay tribute to the passion, energy and dedication of hundreds of local community and voluntary groups, schoolchildren and teachers who are taking their civic responsibilities seriously every single day here inClare through the many anti-litter initiatives that they drive across our communities for the preservation of our environment,” he said.

Minister for Environment Denis Naughten said, “Since the introduction of the Anti-Dumping Initiative last year, I have provided €3.3 million to local authorities in every county in the country to respond strongly to the challenges that those who choose to dump in our communities poses to the health, well-being and economic development of their own friends and neighbours.

“Our communities are central to the success of the Anti-Dumping Initiative. While they are the victims of this crime they have demonstrated through their active participation with this initiative that they are not prepared to surrender their beaches, mountainside, parks or streets to those amongst us who don’t take responsibility for the waste that they produce.

“It’s hugely important for me to support and assist community effort with significant funding and recognition through the 2018 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme.”