Litter louts ruining our beautiful county

Dear Editor,

I write as a native of Wicklow and someone who comes home on regular basis and cycles the mountains and some of the lower countryside.

My journey last weekend took me from Knockananna to Aughavannagh over the hill to Glenmalure, over Slievemane through Rathdrum down to Avoca, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Tinahely and back to Knockananna – some of the most beautiful countryside and goes a long way to define us as true Wicklow people and so very proud of our county.

While cycling, one sees far more than the motorist, as speed is slower and you observe all around you at slower pace. Some of the negative observations is the increase in casual littering on our mountains where you would not expect to find any litter.

Having passed through Rathdrum and making my way to Avoca, the litter down the hill to the Meetings was a disgrace.

The one good deed I came across was the brightly coloured reflective jackets of youngsters and adults picking litter along the Avoca road – there must have been around 40 in total. I pulled in and spoke to one of the adults who told me he was scout leader and the youngsters were all scouts.

I mentioned the bad morning that was in it and congratulated them on the great work.

It’s ironic that kids have to pick up after people who either do not care for their countryside or are not aware of their poor practices.

The roadway from Woodenbridge to Aughrim is an absolute disgrace with litter strewn all along the river. Cycling through Rathdrum, Aughrim, Tinahely and Knockananna was a joy as these places are so clean.

Asking the local authority is not going to work, as they do not have staff I am told.

Wicklow as a county is going to have to be more pro-active with regards littering (and I know great work is been done by voluntary groups). We have our beautiful mountains/valley/towns but they need to be maintained to high standard for all our benefits and visually enjoyment.

Not wishing to offend anybody here, just want to raise the profile of the appearance of our county. All the best, Joe Whelan,

Askeaton, Co Limerick.