Gloves at the ready for yearly spring clean

CLARE County Council, in association with An Taisce, is urging people to get involved in the 14th annual National Spring Clean Campaign.
Last year, hundreds of people across the county and more than a half a million people nationally came together to organise clean-up events in their communities. 
Participation in this year’s campaign, themed Working Together – for our community, is open to individuals, schools, businesses and community groups such as Tidy Towns committees, residents’ associations, development associations and sporting organisations.
Groups and individuals that register to participate are issued clean-up kits containing valuable tips on how to hold a successful clean-up event, posters to advertise an event, plastic bags in which to collect litter and recyclable material and tabards and gloves.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes noted litter has become a national problem and with limited resources, the help of local communities is now more important than ever. 
“It does not matter if it is two or 200 people that take part, it all helps to improve our local communities and environment and provides a better area for us all to enjoy,” he said.
“Taking part in the National Spring Clean is very straight forward,” Mayor Hayes explained, “Set a date and time and encourage as many people as possible to come along.  Companies are often keen to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and linking up with a local group or school is a great way to develop links within the community.”
The Environment Section of Clare County Council will also assist community groups and schools by providing them with a free pass to waste transfer stations at Ballyduffbeg, Inagh, Scariff and Lisdeen. Participating groups are reminded to take all possible steps to separate recyclables during clean-ups. Clare County Council will also provide litter pickers to groups subject to availability.
A wide range of groups, meanwhile, have received a letter from Clare County Council’s Environment Section inviting them to avail of a free pass to waste transfer stations to deposit waste from clean-ups.
Betty Devanny, administrative officer with Clare County Council commented, “Schools and community groups continue to work to keep Clare clean. Young people are a great source of motivation and help. I am urging students and parents alike to get involved in clean-ups over the Easter holiday period. In doing so, you will be developing a respect for the environment that will stay with you into adult life.”
Persons or groups interested in registering for the campaign can do so directly via the National Spring Clean website at www.nationalspringclean.org or on 01 4002219/4002220. Further information also is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council on 065 6846331.