Dublin People - Litter problem is being swept away

Home

News

Features

Litter problem is being swept away

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

DUBLIN’S litter problem is on the wane, according to a report published last week. The independent survey, commissioned by the Dublin Anti-Litter Partnership, states that 69 per cent of the city had a high level of cleanliness in June 2008, up 19 per cent on a previous survey carried out in November 2007.
The survey also reveals that a further 27 per cent of the city had low to moderate litter levels.
This is the latest of the quarterly surveys carried out on behalf of the Dublin Anti-Litter Partnership, and involved independent consultants who completed over 2,500 inspections across 30 locations in the city.
Overall, the survey shows that the cleanest areas are in the city centre, including the busy shopping areas around Grafton Street, Henry Street and O’Connell Street.
Dublin City Assistant Manager, Matt Twomey, said: “We’re delighted that the report reveals a city that has very high levels of cleanliness and points towards a huge improvement in our fight against litter.
“We have examined the results of each survey since November 2007 and identified ways of improving our cleanliness.”
Mr Twomey added that the city council is specifically changing the times of cleaning programmes, installing new bins, seeking co-operation and where it has to, using its enforcement powers.
The quarterly surveys have also produced information on the causes of litter, with take-aways/fast food outlets and cigarette related rubbish at licensed premises singled out as particular areas of concern.
In response, the city council has published draft bye-laws to deal with these problems and issues relating to the distribution of on-street promotional materials. It’s expected that the new bye-laws will be adopted in October.
Tom Coffey, chief executive of Dublin City Business Association, said footfall in the city centre has doubled every 10 years over the last 30 years.
“Those increases have been accompanied by an extremely high level of cleanliness and this achievement is testament to the work of retailers, the public and the city council,” said Mr Coffey.
“However, we cannot become complacent and there is still room for improvement but I am confident that through our combined efforts, we can build on the progress to date.”
Aebhric McGibney, Director of Policy and Communications, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with Dublin City Council to ensure that the streets are clean and attractive to shoppers, tourists, residents and workers.
“Every person working, living or visiting the city centre can help to keep our streets litter-free. Businesses also have a responsibility to keep Dublin litter-free and most of the time they do just that.”

Decision time looms for Olympic hero

Thursday, 27 November 2008

The Clondalkin champion must decide on weather to remain an amateur or to take a risk and join the ranks of the professionals. Just back from a trip to Madison Square Gardens to view the Joe...
+ Full Story

Successful fundraiser held in Laura’s memory

Thursday, 27 November 2008

Laura Brennan, daughter of Pat and Nuala Brennan, died after a short illness on April 4. Laura was a beautiful and bright young girl with aspirations of becoming a primary school...
+ Full Story

Local radio station to air documentary on famine heroes

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

During school history classes, most people have learned about the acts of charity done by the Quakers - also known as the Society of Friends – during the famine that lasted from 1845 until...
+ Full Story

Photographers showcase unforgettable moments

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

'Beyond the Moment: Irish Photojournalism of Our Time', a commemoration of 16 years of Irish life, published by the Press Photographers’ Association of Ireland (PPAI) in association with the...
+ Full Story