OVER 2,000 volunteers across Donegal took part in this year’s National Spring Clean removing an estimated 13 tonnes of litter from the county.
National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland.
Throughout the month of April, communities were encouraged to tackle the problem of litter in local areas and to see the benefits of a litter-free environment.
This year over 80 Donegal groups registered to carry out clean-ups throughout the county making Spring Clean 23 one of Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign to date.
Among the groups who joined the National Spring Clean in County Donegal were Ard Baithin Spring Clean Crew and children from St Johnston’s and Carrigan’s Family Resource Centre who took part in The National Spring Clean during the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Moreover, volunteers from The Mill River Conservation Group in Donegal went out on a National Spring Clean clean-up event and picked up a littered old Lionel Richie CD.
Monreagh National School, in Carrigans, took part in the National Spring Clean and found lots of unusual items including a toy pram, hubcap and a paint tray.
Overall, they collected four bin bags of litter.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “An Taisce’s National Spring Clean continues to showcase the dedication of volunteers all over the country.
“The commitment of volunteers in continuing to organise local clean-ups each year is a testament to the spirit in Irish communities and I would urge as many people as possible to get involved in the campaign.
“My Department will continue to support the campaign and An Taisce, whose role in organising this successful campaign each year, deserves to be acknowledged. I look forward to the many events that will be held all over the country in the coming months.”
National Spring Clean, manager, Emlyn Cullen, added: “This was one of our biggest years ever with regards people taking part. We can’t thank the volunteers enough for giving up their time and energy to make Ireland a cleaner, greener country this April. Huge credit also goes to the Local Authorities who work hard during the month to collect the full bags after events.”
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