Pure Project secures funding for 2020 after Covid delay
THE Pure Project has finally secured funding for 2020 eight months into the year.
Pure was established in September of 2006 to combat illegal dumping and fly-tipping in the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands.
Ian Davis of the Pure Project submitted an application for a ten year programme in October of 2019.
However, only now has the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment confirmed that funding of €115,000 will be made available, but only for 2020.
It is thought that the delay in forming a Government followed by the Covid-9 pandemic was the cause of the late confirmation of funding.
The allocation for 2020 falls well short of hopes that Pure would secure funding for a much lengthier period of time, and there are still concerns over the provision of funding for next year.
Mr Davis said: ‘I welcome the funding but hope that the Department will look at providing funding for a longer period of time.
‘Pure has demonstrated it is a success over the past 15 years. During that time thousands of volunteers have adopted over 600 miles of road.
‘What would the county look like without those volunteers? The Pure Mile has been another resounding success and involves all demographics.
‘Other counties have been in touch looking to establish their own environmental projects having witnessed Pure’s achievements.’
The funding only provides for this year, with the Pure Project normally receiving funding for a block of three or more years.
The project has proved a resounding success, leading to calls to roll it out nationally. Last year Pure removed 150 tonnes of illegal dumping from the Wicklow and Dublin Mountains, compared to ten years ago when 344 tonnes was removed. That represents a 56 per cent reduction.
Cllr Shay Cullen has called for a more permanent funding-stream for Pure so as to ensure the project’s security into the future.
‘We will have to lobby our TDs to get a more long-term contract for Pure. The whole Pure Project has been brilliant for the county and we can’t allow any funding uncertainty for such a project that has provided such wonderful service for the Garden County.
‘It’s a vital service collecting rubbish and protecting the uplands. You only have to look
at the Pure Mile competition and the different communities involved to see how much of a success Pure has been.’
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has welcomed the funding announcement.
He said: ‘We live in one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland but it has suffered from the blight of fly tipping in the past. In recent months we have seen horrendous examples of rubbish being left behind by groups wild camping in the county.
‘The work Pure do by providing a 24-hour lo-call phone-line to report dumping as well as installing CCTV cameras in remote areas has never been more vital.’