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IBAL Litter survey results released for Waterford

The most recent survey of litter levels in Ireland by Irish Business Against Litter has resulted in Waterford City Centre and Ballybeg both improving their rankings.

Waterford City Centre is deemed to be ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ in 10th place and Ballybeg improved its ranking to 21st out of 40 towns and cities, retaining it ‘Clean to European Norms’ status.

While Ireland’s towns and city centres are clean, disadvantaged areas of our cities are suffering increasing levels of litter. This is the finding of the latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).

Fermoy in Cork was the cleanest of the 40 towns and cities surveyed, but pockets of Galway, Dublin and Cork city were more heavily littered than in previous surveys. IBAL sees more mixed housing as the long-term solution to our urban litter problem.

An Taisce assessed litter levels over the summer months on behalf of IBAL. 77% of towns and cities were found to be clean. None was deemed a litter blackspot, but five were ‘littered’ or ‘seriously littered’ and scored worse than last year.

“We have seen a worsening of litter levels in economically disadvantaged areas, which dominate the lower placings of our rankings,” says Conor Horgan of IBAL. “What is often lacking in these areas is a sense of ‘pride in place’, which in turn reflects an absence of real community. In the frenzy to address our housing shortage, we must be mindful of the need to build communities along with houses. Mixed housing is the long-term solution to our urban litter problem.”

Mayor launches waste prevention initiative at Council Meeting

On Thursday 11th October, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Declan Doocey launched an initiative that sees Waterford City and County Council move away from the use of plastic bottles at all Council meetings.

Councillors and Council staff have instead switched to reusable environmentally friendly jugs and glasses at these meetings. The announcement comes during National Reuse Month, which encourages the reuse of everyday items for as long and as often as possible. It also asks us to consider alternative options to buying new items that we may only use once, which opens up the possibility of borrowing, re-purposing or purchasing good quality reused goods.

Launching the initiative at Civic Offices in Dungarvan,  Mayor Doocey said “I welcome this initiative for Council meetings in both Waterford and Dungarvan. We are very aware that reducing dependency on disposable items such as plastic bottles is vital for our environment and would encourage other organisations and businesses across Waterford City and County to carry out similar projects to reduce their use of single use plastics. Preventing waste is a key part of managing waste in our environment and we are happy to play our part in this.”

“Plastic Oceans” – Environmental track released by Riptide Movement

October 2018 is “Reuse Month”.  National Reuse Month aims to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more At Home, At Work, and At Play.

The Riptide Movement recently worked with Clean Coasts Ireland and released a single entitled ‘Plastic Oceans’. The track aims to spread the serious environmental message that our beaches, coastlines, rivers, cities and towns need to be kept litter and plastic free if society is to help prevent our oceans from becoming more polluted.

Check out what they had to say about plastics in our oceans.

You can make a difference to the amount of plastic in our oceans by reusing items instead of throwing away plastic items after just one use.

South East LCDCs launch regional Tobacco Free Action Campaign

On Thursday 27th September, the Local Community Development Committees of Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford will collectively launch a Tobacco Free Positive Message Campaign across the region. This campaign is a direct outcome of partnership working between the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), the HSE, Health and Wellbeing, Youth Reach and Youth Services from across the south east and is funded under Healthy Ireland Strand 1 funding.  The regional tobacco free action sets out to increase awareness and knowledge of the benefits of being tobacco free through the provision of training and a positive message campaign with young people from across the region.  

The positive message campaign provides information about how to QUIT, what support is available, how to access support www.QUIT.ie and the rewards of quitting. The overall positive message campaign includes XHale training which was provided by the Irish Cancer Society and was completed by participants and staff in youth reach and out of school settings. This training provides participants with the skills, confidence and materials they need to tackle smoking issues in their youth setting and provides a framework for facilitating a broad range of smoking prevention sessions in an engaging and empowering way with young people.   In addition, young people also participated in the Irish Cancer Society Xhale media training programme. Youth organisations from across the region produced tobacco free videos which were showcased at the XHale media awards in the Helix Dublin on July 5th and will also be showcased at the regional tobacco free launch on September 27th.

The positive message campaign set out to move away from the traditional no smoking messages to messages which includes ‘you can achieve’, ‘take the first steps to a healthier life’, and ‘reach out for help’.

The development of a stencil using the message “Reach out for Help’ aims to reinforce the positive message of being tobacco free and is intended to be used across the 5 counties on the same day on key dates throughout the year.  Within each county, participating partners are being invited to participate in the stencil campaign and are asked to use the stencil to display this positive message using spray paint on 27th September 2018, and annually thereafter on Ash Wednesday, World No Tobacco day on May 31st and again on 1st October. 

Cllr John O’Leary, Deputy Mayor, Waterford City & County Council, welcomed this initiative, thanked all those organisations involved and congratulated all the young people who engaged with the “We Can Quit” programme.

Dr. Derval Howley (Head of Service, Health and Wellbeing South East Community Healthcare) said the Health services across the south east were delighted to be working closely with the Local Community Development Committees in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford and youth services from across the region to promote the importance of being tobacco free.

Participating locations in each county include local civic offices, public libraries, the Waterford Greenway, public parks, primary care and HSE facilities, secondary and third level education providers, sports facilities and youth services across the region. The launch of the Positive Message campaign will take place across the South East on Thursday 27th of September at the following locations:

Carlow                   Town Hall, Carlow                                                      3pm

Kilkenny                The Watershed, Kilkenny                                         11am

Tipperary              Primary Care Centre, Tipperary Town                  11am

Waterford             WIT Sports Arena, Carraiganore                            11am

Wexford                FDYS Island Road Enniscorthy                                4pm

#healthyireland #tobaccofreelaunch #tobaccofree #healthycarlow #healthykilkenny #healhtytipperary #healthywaterford #healthywexford

Anti-Dumping Campaign launched at Saleens Beach

An anti-dumping campaign was launched this week at Saleens Beach by Deputy Plenary
Mayor Cllr. John O’Leary. The campaign encourages householders to ask for a waste
collection permit before giving their waste to anyone for disposal. A short animated video
was produced by Waterford City & County Council for use on social media and YouTube.
There was also an accompanying radio campaign.

These highlighted the need to check for a waste collection permit which can be done by
visiting the National Waste Collection Permit Office’s website www.nwcpo.ie or by
contacting the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council. Funded
through the national anti-dumping initiative, it is hoped to see a decrease in illegal
dumping of waste through this project.

“Anyone engaged in the collection of waste is required to have a waste collection permit”,
commented Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City & County Council.
“Unauthorised waste collectors often engage in illegal dumping and you are still
responsible. Before you give waste to anyone, ask to see their waste collection permit.
Any vehicles from authorised waste collectors must have their name and waste collection
permit number on it. Any of their advertisements must also give their name and waste
collection permit number. We each have an obligation only to give our waste to an
authorised collector.”

“Waterford City and County Council recently prosecuted an illegal waste collector for the
illegal collection and disposal of waste” Mr Kane went on to say. “They were ordered to
pay approximately €5500 in court fines and legal costs. Through the ongoing work of our
Environmental Inspectors and the use of CCTV and hidden cameras, we have issued 146
litter fines so far this year. We would encourage anyone in doubt of their waste collector
to check their permit on www.nwcpo.ie or phone us at 0761 102020 to ask if they have a
permit to collect your waste.”

New Dog Licence System in operation

Does your dog have a licence ?
You must have a licence by law. They cost €20 p/a or €140 for the lifetime of the dog.

Dog Licences can now be purchased online from #Waterford City & County Council, via An Post’s Licences.ie system – See http://ow.ly/fsb830kMctq

Waterford Blue Flag and Green Coast Beach Awards 2018

Press Release

At a recent An Taisce awards ceremony, County Waterford’s beaches were awarded with 5 Blue Flag awards and 6 Green Coast awards for 2018.  These awards are only made to bathing areas with excellent water quality and beach management.

Clonea Beach, Dunmore East Main Strand, Dunmore Councillors Strand, Tramore and Ardmore were confirmed Blue Flag status.  Of particular satisfaction is the award of the Blue Flag to Ardmore after a gap of 21 years, following the recent commissioning of a new wastewater treatment plant for the village.

Green Coast awards were achieved for beaches at Guillamene, Newtown Cove, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island, and Annestown.

County Waterford is renowned for its 100 km long stunning coastline.  For those wishing to walk, jog, swim, explore rock-pools, surf, scuba dive, fish, kite surf, observe wildlife or just relax, there is a place for you!  As part of its efforts to enhance this natural tourism attraction and provide amenities to the public and ensure good water quality, Waterford City & County Council is committed to ongoing management and stringent monitoring of the many bathing water areas dotted along the coast.  Lifeguards are provided at Dunmore, Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea and Ardmore.

Waterford City and County Council collaborate with many bodies to manage the bathing areas, including the HSE, Irish Water, the EPA and Irish Water Safety.  Special credit must be paid to the Tidy Towns and Coastcare groups which, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, play an essential role in caring for local bathing areas.

Keep an eye out at beach notice boards for water test results and other beach information and advice.  Results and information are also posted on the council’s website www.waterfordcouncil.ie and on the EPA’s website www.beaches.ie

Members of the public and interest groups are encouraged to provide suggestions on beach and coastal management in the county. Anyone interested should send their suggestions by email to bathing@waterfordcouncil.ie.  Remember, when you visit a beach, stay safe and leave no trace!

Let’s get out there and enjoy our beautiful coast!

 

ENDS

 

For Press Queries please contact

Claire Hartley     Administrative Officer, Communications and Customer Services

Clár Ní hArtgaile Oifegeach Cumarsáide & Seirbhísí Custaiméara,

Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Hall na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge,

Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford. X91 PK15

|T 0761 102549|M 087 2905194| Email  chartley@waterfordcouncil.ie

Master Composter Training Course

Waterford Council, in conjunction with the EPA invite you to join us at Clodaigh House, Portlaw, Co.Waterford for a packed training programme to teach people how to reduce food waste and compost at home or within the community.

Training consists of four evening sessions and one Saturday hands-on workshop where participants will help build a composting demonstration site.

Gain the knowledge required to reduce food waste and save money. Learn how to compost both garden materials and wasted food using a variety of different composting systems.
The training is offered free of charge, but volunteers are expected to contribute outreach time afterward to spread the word and motivate others. This is a unique opportunity for any community group!

Waterford Householders encouraged to dispose of Hazardous Waste safely and for free

Waterford City & County Council is encouraging householders across the county to avail of its Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day on Saturday, May 5, 2018.

From 9am to 4pm on this day only, certain hazardous wastes found around the home can be disposed of free of charge at Dungarvan Civic Amenity Centre, Ballinamuck Middle, Dungarvan. A full list of items accepted is available on www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Many everyday household items, fluids and containers are considered hazardous to both the environment and human health if not stored and disposed of correctly.

Pauline McDonogh, Southern Regional Waste Management Office explained that even common household items such as cooking oil and detergents can be considered hazardous if not treated with proper care and consideration.

“Waste is classified as being hazardous when it displays one or more of the hazardous properties listed in the Waste Management Act. These relevant properties are explosive, oxidizing, flammable, irritant, harmful, toxic, or carcinogenic.”

“People are surprised to learn how many common items around the home fit this criteria, for example mixed fuels, batteries – car and household, medicinal waste, pesticides, herbicides, paints and varnishes. Household detergents, anti freeze, oil filters, adhesives and aerosols should also be considered as hazardous and treated accordingly,” she advised.

“The careless disposal of hazardous household waste has the potential to cause physical injury to waste disposal workers and contaminate septic tanks or our wastewater systems if poured down sinks, toilets or drains.”

Ella Ryan, Environment Awareness Officer Environment Department, Waterford City & County Council stated that, “This event is an opportunity for people to rid their homes of such waste safely and for free. Hazardous waste accepted on the day is listed on our website www.waterfordcouncil.ie. It is also an opportunity for us all to consider replacing these items, where possible, with environmentally friendly, natural products.

“Ideas and recipes on how to create household cleaners from common non-hazardous ingredients will be available on the day or by contacting me on 0761 10 2938 or emailing eryan@waterfordcouncil.ie.”

This one day event is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and supported by Southern Regional Waste Management Office.  The event is open only to householders and all items must be in original packaging and labelled.

Ends

Contact:  Ella Ryan, Environment Awareness Officer 0761 10 2938

“Think Before You Flush” campaign

Thousands of used sanitary and bathroom products are flushed down the toilet every day.  These items can cause blockages, meaning this type of waste ends up polluting our marine environment.

Wastewater systems are not designed to deal with large amounts of sanitary waste, and smaller items in particular (e.g. cotton buds), can escape through filters and reach our rivers and beaches.

The “Think Before You Flush” campaign is operated by An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme and is supported by Irish Water and the local authorities.

The items below should never be flushed down the toilet as they cause problems in our homes, the wastewater treatment network and the environment.

South East tackles Roadside Litter

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Pat Nugent, together with members of Dungarvan Tidy Towns launched the ‘Roadside Litter Campaign’ in Dungarvan on Wednesday 21st March.

The ‘Roadside Litter Campaign’ is a new initiative in the fight against litter on our roadsides. It is a regional campaign involving Councils in Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford. The campaign slogan highlights that “All Roads Lead Home” and asks road users to “Bin It, Don’t Fling It”. The campaign aims to change attitudes about litter in the South East Region.

A litter survey carried out in the South East in 2017 showed that on average 100kg of litter was dumped per 5km of roadside; 37% of all litter was associated with drinks, with plastic drink bottles accounting for 20%, aluminium cans 10% and disposable cups 7%, of the litter.

The ‘Roadside Litter Campaign’ asks local communities, groups and individuals to bring their litter home with them. The message can be found on tax disc holders, available free of charge at Motor Taxation Offices in Waterford and Dungarvan. Temporary road signage advising road users of the ‘Roadside Litter Campaign’ will be erected in areas where persistent roadside littering is evident.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Cllr. Pat Nugent said ‘I am delighted to officially launch the roadside litter initiative and support the objective to improve our local environment by the responsible management of litter. It is no secret that some of our roads are littered with single use items such as takeaway wrappers and containers, plastic bottles and coffee cups. This initiative encourages road users to have more pride in their local roads and to take their litter home with them.’

At the Launch were Cllr Pat Nugent, Mayor Waterford City & County. Fergal Galvin, Luke O’Brien and Ella Ryan, Waterford City & County Council. Bernadette Moloney, Kilkenny County Council. Cliona Connolly, Wexford County Council, Anne Marie Rossiter, Aoife Power, Gemma Power and Joy Lake, Dungarvan Tidy Towns.
Photo Sean Byrne

Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2018

Waterford City & Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for public education and awareness initiatives regarding litter or graffiti.

Is your group planning a project to raise litter awareness in County Waterford? Or maybe you are planning an anti-graffiti awareness initiative? If so, you may be eligible for a grant towards the cost of the project.

Paper copies should returned to the Environment Section, Waterford City & County Council, The Mall, Waterford, for consideration by the closing date, 14th March 2018.