Over 100 spring cleans expected to be held

OVER 100 clean-up projects around County Wicklow are expected to take part in the National Spring Clean Campaign which takes place this month.

Founded in 1999, National Spring Clean has grown exponentially over the years from a small number of events in each county to over 5,000 clean-ups nationwide in 2017.

The 2018 campaign is just getting under way and already there are 62 clean-ups planned and registered with An Taisce by groups in Wicklow and that number expected to double.

Anyone can register to carry out a cleanup event, including schools, residents’ associations, Tidy Towns, sports clubs, scouting or youth groups, or just a group of friends and neighbours.

In rural parts of the county, Pure Mile groups will participate while hill walking groups often organise events to give scenic tourism areas in the mountains a spruce up before summer.

Now in its 20th year, Wicklow County Council has supported the campaign since the beginning and works with An Taisce to ensure participating groups are well equipped and to collect the bags of litter after clean-up events.

The council also intends to target those throwing litter from cars using CCTV with registration identification to catch of those ruining roadside verges and hedgerows.

To participate in National Spring Clean, register online www.nationalspringclean. org or by telephone on 01 4002219. Once registered, Wicklow County Council can provide more materials if needed or arrange a pick-up of the bags of litter after the event, simply call 1890 222276 or email eao@wicklowcoco.ie.