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Environmental Campaigns

By Waterford City & County Council

4 Waterford projects among beneficiaries as Minister Ryan launches “Pathfinder” Projects

Minister Ryan launches transformative Pathfinder Projects to bring more public transport, walking and cycling options to our villages, towns, and cities by 2025

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. today launched the Pathfinder Programme of 35 exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country within the next three years.

The projects are those selected following Minister Ryan’s call to local authorities over the summer to submit their most innovative, transformative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas – the projects that could make the greatest difference to people living in their counties.

The result is a broad variety of projects ranging from national game-changing proposals like making College Green in Dublin car-free to smaller, creative and equally effective projects like a Bus-it-2-school project in Co. Meath or a pilot programme in Co. Leitrim to integrate Local Link with a hackney and community e-bike scheme.

The launch took place in the new Castletymon Library, which is one of the focal points on the proposed Dublin 24 Rapid Build Cycling Network, which will connect the community in South Tallaght with the Luas, Tallaght Town Centre, Tallaght Hospital, five schools and sports communities, running in part through Bancroft Park. The new cycle path will also link onto the Dodder Greenway, with plans to support the local community to access bikes.

Put together, the selected pathfinder projects will begin to transform how we move, work and live across the country. They can be split into five categories:

• National Impact: includes CycleConnects, a national brand coordinating high-quality cycle routes in urban areas.

• Cycle Network/Corridor Proposals: projects such as West Wexford Urban Cycle Network, Sligo Cycle Corridor and Meath Rural Cycleway Rapid Development.

• Public Transport: projects such as Moyross Train Station and Athlone Bus Electrification.

• 15 Minute Neighbourhoods: projects such as the Letterkenny Active Travel Town and Naas Mobility Network and the 5 Cities Active Travel Demonstrators.

• Serving Schools/Universities: projects like the acceleration of the Safe Routes to School Programme, Limerick University Connectivity, BusIT2School in Co. Meath.

• Workshops and Research: includes nationwide Sustainable Mobility Training Workshops and Leitrim “Green Mile” Mobility Pilot.

The Pathfinder Programme is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, by enabling the shift to cleaner transport choices. It also aims to bring increased momentum to the delivery of projects at a local level, providing templates that can be replicated and scaled up elsewhere, with a strong emphasis on experimental and innovative approaches.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ryan said:

“I was delighted with the response to my call to local authorities to participate in the Pathfinder Programme. This first selected list shows clearly that there is a real appetite for change across the country. Shortlisted projects, while all unique, have three key things in common. They are innovative. They are ambitious. And critically, they will be delivered at speed. The Leadership Group through this Pathfinder Programme will continue to engage with all local authorities to ensure momentum and that the lessons and experience of the shortlisted projects are shared for everyone’s benefit.”

“Decarbonising transport presents an enormous challenge, one which requires a fundamental change in how we travel including a shift in our mindset and choices. By 2025 the selected pathfinder projects will be in action, improving the communities in which they will be implemented, and demonstrating to other localities how our system can be transformed. By delivering quickly, and by striking out on a path which others will follow, they will help to drive implementation of the Government’s Sustainable Mobility Policy.”

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said:

“Pathfinder Projects will be transformative in our cities by reducing car dependency and widening access for active travel and public transport. The projects can deliver once in a generation change to active travel through CycleConnects in all our cities focusing on the delivery of the core active travel networks in those cities and making new connections such as between Limerick’s three higher education institutions. The Pathfinder projects also supports the delivery of the first zero emission public transport services in Athlone and Dingle and starts us on an ambitious delivery path for zero emission bus services across Ireland.”

Michael Mulhern, Director of Planning and Transport, South Dublin County Council said:

“The scale of interest shown by Local Authorities across the Country in putting forward so many excellent projects is hugely encouraging. It shows the level of commitment and ambition that each Local Authority has to deliver these projects which will drastically enhance our local walking, cycling and public transport networks. We need the continued support from central Government, the NTA as well as local communities to successfully deliver these projects.”

The Pathfinder Programme forms a key part of the implementation of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), which is a vital part of the Government’s plan to meet Ireland’s requirement to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in the transport sector.

A full list of the 35 Pathfinder Programme projects for 2022-2025 under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy is available here.

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Litter Challenge for Secondary Schools launched

The 2022 “Tom Murphy Car Sales Volkswagen / Waterford City & County Council Schools Litter Challenge” was launched on Friday 14th October at Tom Murphy Car Sales.

Fifteen secondary schools throughout Waterford recently registered to take part in a litter challenge to help make County Waterford cleaner. This competition, sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Volkswagen, will see an impressive fifteen schools carrying out clean ups of their local area over the next 6 weeks to compete for the €1500 prize money.

The competition will be judged by a member of IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter), who run the Irish Anti- Litter league of cities, towns and villages each year.

Tom Murphy, sponsor of the competition prize money, commented, “To see fifteen secondary schools taking part in this challenge is very encouraging. We hope that it helps to develop a sense of pride and ownership in our communities. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the participating schools for their entry into this great initiative and wish them the best of luck with their clean-up activities.”

Pictured launching the Local Litter Challenge for Secondary Schools are :

L-R, Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City & County Council, Steven Reinl, Tom Murphy and John Byrne, Tom Murphy Car Sales, and Gerald Hurley, Waterford Chamber.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

EPA Report recognises continued improvements in Ireland’s drinking water quality

  • Over 99% of Ireland’s drinking water supplies fully compliant with standards
  • Major projects completed include Vartry Water Treatment Plant and upgrade of Leixlip WTP, benefiting 717,000 people
  • Over 42,000 lead connections replaced since 2017

October 7 2022 – The quality of Ireland’s drinking water continues to improve as a result of Irish Water’s progress in upgrading infrastructure, improving treatment processes, and enhancing monitoring of public supplies.

The latest Drinking Water Report published by the EPA shows that Ireland’s public water supplies are safe to drink, with 99.7% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards.  This represents a further improvement in drinking water quality and shows the benefits resulting from Irish Water’s ongoing high level of investment in water services nationwide.

In 2021, we invested over €460 million in Ireland’s water treatment plants and networks, with 12 water treatment plants built or upgraded and an additional 39 sites upgraded under the National Disinfection Programme. Key projects completed include new treatment plants in Vartry and Leixlip which together are benefitting over 700,000 people with cleaner, more secure drinking water supplies. As a result of this progress, the population on the EPA’s list of ‘at risk’ supplies reached its lowest ever level in 2021.

The EPA report in particular recognises that the ongoing improvements made by Irish Water in testing and monitoring drinking water supplies have played a key role in identifying risks to drinking water quality and protecting public health. Many of these risks existed for years but only came to light due to the more robust testing and sampling regimes that we have put in place. In some cases this has resulted in protective Boil Water Notices or other restrictions being introduced while the issues are addressed. This, according to the EPA, is a positive development which will result in a safer water supply for all customers.

Significant progress has also been made in developing systems to improve the management of incidents. In response to drinking water quality incidents in Gorey and Ballymore Eustace in 2021, the new National Operations Management Centre has been stood up on a 24/7 basis and so far 56 of Ireland’s largest drinking water plants, catering for a population of 2.85 million people, have been connected. This enables these plants to be monitored around the clock and action to be taken immediately when issues arise. Training has also been rolled out to all water services staff across the country to better equip them to manage or escalate incidents, so that we can protect and inform our customers.

Margaret Attridge of Irish Water said, “The EPA Drinking Water Report shows that the quality of Ireland’s drinking water supplies continues to improve. We have increased investment in our drinking water services year on year, and this is reaping big benefits for all our customers nationwide, giving them the assurance that, when they turn out their tap, they can enjoy clean, safe drinking water.

“We recognise of course that challenges remain in some areas and we have prioritised our efforts in addressing these. In particular our enhanced focus on monitoring and testing supplies allows us to identify problems early and take action to fix them and, where appropriate, notify the public of any risks to their drinking water.

It will take a number of years and high levels of investment to bring our public water supply to the standard we all strive for but we are confident that we are on track to achieve this. Public health is our top priority and we will continue to work in partnership with our stakeholders, including the EPA, to ensure world class drinking water supplies for all our customers.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Active Travel Scheme – Knockateemore, Dungarvan

Over the past few weeks and months, Waterford City & County Council has received a significant number of representations, from both private citizens and councillors, seeking the clearing and upgrade of the pathway between the N-25 and the L-3166 at Knockateemore (see map below). These submissions suggest that the route should be opened to pedestrians to improve walking and cycling links locally.

This pathway was, in the past, a route used locally as a walking route in but has now become overgrown and limited in its use.

Waterford City & County Council is committed to improving local pedestrian links and promoting sustainable mobility options throughout Waterford. One of the most effective methods of achieving this is through the development of local pedestrian routes such as this pathway to facilitate short and medium distance walking and cycle journeys.

The work involved opening of the walkway is ideally suited to avail of funding under the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Active Travel fund. This fund seeks to provide new and upgrade existing walking and cycling routes as part of the national climate action plan. These types of schemes seek to reduce reliance on the motor car and reduce the country’s transport related carbon emissions.

The Active Travel funding and the associated works programme are managed by Waterford City & County Council’s Active Travel Team.

Drawing of proposed Active Travel scheme at Knockateemore.

The Active Travel team is now seeking further submissions, comments, and engagement from you as a potential user, resident in the area or a landowner in respect to the re-opening of the pathway to pedestrians and cyclists only.

We are keen in hear how the route was used in the past and what you would like to see it become in the future. We are keen to learn how its opening might help people in the area reduce their reliance on their car by allowing children to cycle to school, travel to sports facilities etc.

From an initial review of the route there is some evidence that limited use is being made of the route and some basic clearing has been carried out to facilitate pedestrian access.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal. Submissions should be lodged here, or with Ian Ludlow, Staff Officer, Active Travel Team, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to iludlow@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received by Friday 28th October 2022.

Please note that comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council regarding this consultation may appear in the public domain.

By Waterford City & County Council

Give us your thoughts : 5 current “Active Travel” public consultations

There are currently 5 Active Travel Public Consultations that need your feedback.

Submissions may be made on our online consultation platform : consult.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

More than 24000 people in Waterford using the toilet as a bin

Clean Coasts and Irish Water urge the public to ‘Think Before You Flush’ in a bid to safeguard our environment

 Monday 3 October 2022: Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that more than 24,000 people living in Waterford continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet. Worryingly those aged under 35 are twice as likely to dispose of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35. No wipes whether marked ‘flushable’ or not should be flushed down the toilet.

With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help prevent sanitary waste ending up on Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.

A new campaign video targeting under 35 years olds aims to connect with this audience in way that encourages real behavioural change.

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is also supporting the campaign, said: “I am delighted to support the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign. For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment. Collectively, small changes can have a huge impact so I would encourage everyone to consider their flushing habits. It is simple really, just ‘Think Before You Flush’.

Speaking about the survey results Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water said: “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Irish Water have been working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign and during this time, we have made significant progress, as this figure has now reduced to 21%.

Whilst this represents a 42% improvement in people’s flushing behaviour, it still represents almost a million people nationally using the toilet as a bin: that’s more than 24,000 people living in Co. Waterford. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches”.

“Following the latest survey findings, we have a call to action to those aged 35 and under in particular to be mindful of their flushing behaviour as this age profile can really help make the difference. We are keen to remind people that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet even if they are labelled as ‘flushable’. The impact of this waste ending up in our natural environment, on our beaches, shores and riverways is stark. Removing this waste from the sewerage network can be a nasty job which is easily avoided.

“Our message is simple: only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable.

This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats. We have all witnessed the love story unfold between the public and swimming, whether that be at piers, beaches, lakes or rivers. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference to our natural environment – put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet.”

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign, through education and awareness, aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.

While we have seen a positive improvement in the nation’s flushing behaviour since 2018, one in five adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet. By making small changes in our flushing behaviour, we can prevent the harm caused by sewage related litter in our marine environment. We are asking everybody to only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and paper – and put everything else in the bin.”

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month and Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr John O’Leary recently launched Reuse Month 2022 at Waterford’s Central Library.

Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by repairing and reusing it for as long and as often as possible.  This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste, all of which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. The idea is to bring people beyond the idea of “reduce, reuse and recycle” towards a focus on the prevention of waste in the first place.

National Reuse Month’s aim is to provide the skills and tools to reuse more items every day. For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them, or borrowing books from the library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, why not go another step this October and prioritise repair, buying second hand, borrowing, swapping and reusing.

There are a whole host of events taking place throughout the city and county to encourage waste prevention.

On October 19th, a Clothes Swap event will be hosted in the Central Library, Lady Lane from 5.30pm.  Bring up to five pieces of clean adult clothing (in good repair) to the library and swap it for the same number of items.  Clothes can be dropped off at the library between 11am and 5.30pm on the day. There will also be a clothing repair demonstration on the night, along with the launch of a ‘toolkit’ for swap events to encourage reuse and repair.  The toolkit will provide tips, posters and social media posts to enable community groups and schools to run swap events for items such as sports equipment, clothes, musical instruments, school supplies and more.

On October 22nd,  Waterford City and County Council will host a Repair Demonstration session with the Rediscovery Centre at the Coastguard Cultural Centre in Tramore.  Learn how to repair furniture, bikes, textiles and washing machines during this session.  There will be experts on hand to help with any questions that you have and while the repair experts won’t be able to undertake any specific repairs on your items, please feel free to bring along photographs of your items and they will happily chat to you about the repair.

  • 11.30am – Furniture Repair and Upcycling
  • 12pm – Bike Repairs
  • 12.30pm – Appliance Repairs
  • 1pm – Textiles Repair and Upcycling

Waste prevention workshops will be held on various dates in library branches. The focus of these workshops is making a reusable food wrap that provides a natural alternative to plastic wraps and to provide a forum to discuss reuse, composting and recycling as the wraps are being made.   On October 28th there will be a Sustainable Living Tips workshop in Lismore Library. Come along to learn about Greener Gardening, Greener Cleaning, composting, food waste prevention and general waste prevention tips.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore named as one of eight clean beaches by IBAL

The annual nationwide survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) of beaches and harbours has shown Tramore to be one of the beaches found to be ‘Clean to European Norms’.

Nationally, litter levels are on the rise, however Tramore was one of eight of the thirty-three areas surveyed to receive the ‘Clean’ designation.

The An Taisce report found Tramore to be a fantastic site, not just in terms of the lack of litter, but in the overall presentation of same. The report stated, “It is clear to see that there is great involvement by both the local authority and community groups and evidence of the latter can be seen ‘litter picking’ and the Tramore Eco Group ‘Borrow Box’ for beach toys.”

The promenade was very well served by litter bins and all aspects of the area surveyed were in excellent condition, including the lovely signage for ‘fun family activities’.  Additional features noted in the report included the novel design for plastic bottles and can recycling.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “I’m delighted that Tramore was deservingly recognised as a fantastic site.  The results are, in the main, down to the collaborative efforts of the Council’s ground crews and the tireless work of Tramore’s wonderful voluntary groups such as the Tramore Tidy Towns group and Tramore Eco Group.”

“It’s evident that these groups have phenomenal pride in the town, and they have rallied a formidable group of volunteers who, week in week out, help keep Tramore litter-free.”

Dungarvan Harbour was found to be ‘moderately littered’.  The An Taisce report for Dungarvan stated that the overall impression in the immediate area of Davitt Quay / Walton Park and associated pathways was of a well presented environment, enhanced by wonderful planting.  However, the litter grade was brought down by casually discarded food and alcohol related items in Walton Park and some larger items discarded in the water.

Unsurprisingly there was a fall-off in Covid masks and gloves found, but also in alcohol-related litter which was linked to lockdown. Coffee cups remained a significant litter item, however, present in half of the areas surveyed. The most common forms of litter found by the assessors were cigarette butts, sweet wrappers and plastic bottles. Research shows a single cigarette butt can contaminate up to 200 litres of water.

Alongside its impact on tourism and recreation, IBAL is warning that coastal litter has grave implications for the future of our planet.

Beaches, harbours, rivers and their immediate environs were monitored by An Taisce in June and July 2022.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Rates saving for Waterford businesses making energy efficiency a priority

In April 2021, Waterford City and County Council agreed that Waterford City would be the designated Decarbonising Zone for Waterford.

Acting as a “Transition Super-Lab”, where real life initiatives to manage the transition from a fossil fuel-based local economy to carbon Net Zero will be designed and implemented, the DZ projects include building energy efficiency, sustainable transport, renewable energy generation and carbon sequestration.

To achieve this aim will require a very significant shift in how all businesses, and the wider community, source and use energy with the aim of substantially reducing energy derived from carbon-based fuels.

As part of their approach, Waterford City and County Council will be seeking to engage with and support businesses as they transition towards carbon neutrality.  The first initiative in 2022 is a discount on the Rates bills for ratepayers whose annual bill is less than €10,000 or operate in the hospitality industry, subject to participation in a short online energy training programme which will include a brief questionnaire.

Applicants who complete the program will have the equivalent of the 5% rates increase due in 2022 credited to their account. The training takes just 10 minutes and on completion of the course the businesses will be able to download information on the grants and supports that are available to them in their efforts to save energy.

Accounts must also be fully paid, and the training must be completed by September 30th, 2022 to avail of the discount.

Businesses can register for the training by visiting https://submit.link/16z or by scanning the QR code:

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford householders urged to avail of free eWaste recycling event

Waterford householders are being urged to bring their electrical and electronic waste to a free collection day to help the county meet recycling targets which have increased since the first lockdown in 2020.  The event, hosted by WEEE Ireland with support from Waterford City and County Council, takes place on Saturday September 17th from 10am to 4pm at the Tesco Car Park, Tramore.

All household items with a plug or a battery will be accepted free of charge, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, and even watches.

“In Waterford, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with the annual tonnage on the market rising from 15kg a head in 2016 to 22kg a head last year,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats during the pandemic showed a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods. With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.  People in Waterford have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, and we want to encourage that trend.”

A surge in lockdown spring cleaning saw 1145 tonnes of electrical waste collected in Waterford by the country’s largest recycling scheme in 2021, despite Covid-19 and travel restrictions still in place for much of the year.

9.86kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Waterford last year – falling short of the 2020 collection rate of 10.45kg and the national average of 10.86kg per person.  However, the county’s e-waste target for 2022 has increased to 13kg per person, to reflect yearly increases in electrical goods consumption, accelerated by Covid-19.

“82% of all material that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2021, the equivalent of 231,179 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,624 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,296 producer members.

These free events are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City and County Council added, “Recycling e-Waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy. Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with WEEE Ireland and Waterford householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2022.”

Wee_Waterford_A4 Aug.pdf

By Waterford City & County Council

Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign Launch in Dungarvan

Last week, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Dungarvan, alongside members of Dungarvan Tidy Towns.

The Gum Litter Taskforce is an environmental initiative that was set up to develop and implement an awareness campaign to reduce gum litter in the most sustainable way.  Since 2007, Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter.  The study from the Gum Litter Taskforce, also shows that gum litter now accounts for only 8% of all litter compared with 2007, when the campaign was first launched. The 2019 campaign maintained an all-time high of 93% of people stating that they regard chewing gum as litter, up from 74% when the campaign first began 14 years ago, pointing to the attitudinal impact which the campaign has had.

The latest results of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring report showed the percentage of gum as a proportion of litter at 9.4%, down from 10.6% the previous year (2019). More than three in five (63%) people agree that the campaign is at least fairly likely to stop them dropping gum, the highest level seen in the current campaign.  48% of respondents claimed that they stopped dropping gum because they saw the Bin-It campaign, up from 41% in 2019 and 60% of people said the campaign has made them want to change the way they dispose of their gum.

Of the launch Mayor O’Leary said, “I am delighted to be attending the launch of the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign.  The success of the Gum Litter Taskforce’s campaign to date is a testament of what can be achieved when local authorities and the community work together. We look forward to working alongside the Gum Litter Taskforce to ensure that our beautiful Déise remains Ireland’s Cleanest City”.  Waterford was judged by IBAL to be Ireland’s Cleanest City in 2020 and 2021, with Dungarvan and other towns receiving awards in the 2021 Tidy Towns Special Awards.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City and Council spoke about the importance of community with a campaign such as this. “Incorrect disposal of gum not only destroys the physical appearance of our beautiful city and towns, but as it can only be removed by using special equipment, the removal can also damage our footpaths.  The littering of gum is also extremely harmful to wildlife as are the chemicals which may need to be used to remove discarded gum.  Through continuing to engage with people and educating them on the harm of gum litter, we can work to make gum litter on the streets of Ireland a problem of the past”.

As part of the Gum Litter Taskforce the ‘Bin It!’ education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025.

The ‘Bin It!’ school roadshow encourages students to responsibly dispose of litter, and particularly gum litter, through actor-led workshops.  The latest cycle of the campaign will see the programme shift its focus from secondary school students to students in fifth and sixth class, and a return to in-person workshops, and kicks off in September.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Draft Bye-Laws for the Prevention and Control of Litter

Waterford City and County Council is inviting members of the public to observe a draft copy of the Prevention and Control of Litter Bye-Laws 2022, and invites observations or submissions on same.

Some of the provisions made in the draft bye-laws include that the occupier of any premises used for the sale of confectionery, food, drink or nicotine containing products; a public market; must ensure an adequate number of litter bins are in place.  The occupier will also be responsible for removing all litter within 100m.  Bus and rail stations, airports or seaports; or a retail shopping centres, must also ensure an adequate number of litter bins are in place.

The occupier of any premises that is used as a licensed premises; a cinema, theatre, concert hall or leisure centre, an amusement arcade or an area for other indoor or outdoor sport or recreation; a bookmaking business; a hairdressers, barbers, or beauty salon; or a third level educational institution or college must also ensure that an adequate number of cigarette bins are provided.

The occupier of a premises using shopping trolleys shall install a trolley loss prevention device on each trolley to prevent the unauthorised taking of trolleys or to assist in the trolley’s recovery.

There will be fixed penalty notices issued to any persons found in contravention of the bye-laws.

A copy of the bye-laws is available for public inspection on the Waterford City and County Council website and also available for public inspection, free of charge, at the offices of Waterford City and County Council in Baileys New Street, Waterford, and in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, during normal office hours (daily from 9.30am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank and Public Holidays) until September 15th 2022.

A copy of the Draft bye-laws will be given free of charge to any person applying for it at these offices.

The public and other interested parties are invited to submit observations regarding the proposed bye-laws from the date of the publication of this notice up to 4.00pm, September 23rd 2022 and any submissions or observations received during this period shall be considered by Waterford City and County Council.

Submissions or observations on the proposed bye-laws may be made by email to envsubmissions@waterfordcouncil.ie or in writing (and marked bye-laws submission) to the Environment Department, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

The bye-laws shall apply to the functional area of Waterford City and County Council.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Landowner fined for burying waste on land

A landowner was fined €2,000 with further costs of €1,170 in Waterford District Court on July 25th.

Waterford City and County Council took the case when inspectors discovered that the landowner had disposed of waste in an excavation on his land.  Further excavations undertaken by the Council uncovered other waste buried on the land.

Judge Staunton commented that while the landowner appeared to be a law abiding man, “We are well past the point of burying rubbish in holes.”

The landowner pled guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity and removed the waste for proper disposal.

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By Waterford City & County Council

2GoCup Initiative Launched in Waterford City & County

Waterford City and County Council is proud to partner with 2GoCup – the €1 Deposit & Return Scheme for takeaway cups – in a joint initiative to tackle the single-use waste across Waterford City & County.

At the launch on Friday 15th July 2022 at the Granary Café in Waterford City, the ten participating Cafés were invited to celebrate their collective effort to tackle single-use waste. The project is due to commence on 26th July and will run for three months.

All participating cafés will offer customers the opportunity to buy a €1 2GoCup or bring their own reusable cup. Customers can get this €1 deposit back whenever they want to or exchange their 2GoCup for a new one in any participating café. We are delighted to have these ten cafes committed to take part in this initiative. It is hoped that the participating cafes will then encourage other cafes to accept and move towards reusable cups.

The ten businesses taking part in this pilot are:

  1. Coach House, Kilmacthomas
  2. Whistlestop Cafe, Suir Valley Railway
  3. Causeway Cafe, Dungarvan
  4. Cafe Bliss, Abbeyside
  5. The Railway Cottage, Clonea
  6. The Granary, Hanover Street
  7. Under the Clockhouse, Catherine Street
  8. The Stable Yard, Georges Court
  9. Trade, The Quay
  10. Gallwey’s Chocolate Cafe, Henrietta Street

How does it work?

Customers have to pay a €1 deposit for their 2GoCup. They can reuse the cup in your shop or in any other shop using 2GoCups.They can exchange their cup for a fresh 2GoCup if they wish. They can get their €1 deposit back if they want or they can keep the cup!

“2GoCup is proud to be working with Waterford City & County Council on an initiative that promotes reuse right across the region. As a solution-driven Irish business, we love nothing more than working closely with independent cafes right up to large organisations looking to swap out their disposable cups and save money. We expect this project will not only benefit the consumers looking to get their coffee sustainably but also boost the business financially. We look forward to more cafes in Waterford joining up to have an impact” – Kevin Murphy, CEO of 2GoCup.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Councillor John O’ Leary was present to launch the scheme.  Addressing the group, the Mayor said that “It is very encouraging to see businesses supporting this campaign, both here in Waterford and all along our beautiful Greenway. I hope that they will lead the way for others to join them in this goal and urge other cafes to move towards reusable cups also.”

During his speech, he also said that “We all have an opportunity to take action to reduce our impact on this earth. Every action counts. By taking part in this scheme, you are all becoming part of the solution by reducing your carbon footprint by supporting the circular economy and helping the fight against Climate Change”.

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