Illegal dumping blights the uplands
ALL sorts of illegally dumped waste – including a kitchen sink – was found during a spring clean at the Wicklow Gap.
Following a major clean-up event organised by Wicklow Uplands Council, a significant amount of rubbish was collected, including tyres, domestic and industrial waste and car parts.
The event, which was held in conjunction with The Pure Project and An Taisce’s National Spring Clean, saw teams of volunteers spread out along the well known scenic route, filling bags with discarded items that were scattered along the roadside and surrounding lands.
Volunteers covered 5.5km of the roadside along with the Glendasan Mine site and a short section of St Kevin’s Way.
An Taisce’s National Spring Clean takes place nationally during the month of April and is a hugely successful anti-lit- ter initiative involving groups and organisations across all communities.
Although known throughout the world for it’s scenic landscapes, the Wicklow Uplands region is regularly targeted by illegal dumpers. Dumping causes serious challenges to the upland’s unique habitat and biodiversity as well as to the communities that live there.
The Pure Project plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and tackling illegal dumping and fly-tipping throughout the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
Pure Project Manager Ian Davis commended Wicklow Uplands Council for its efforts to keep the area litter-free.
‘ The Wicklow Upland Council’s recent litter pick makes a huge difference to the appearance of the Wicklow Gap, a highly visited tourist route, and I would like to congratulate all involved,’ he said.