Riverbank businesses need to tackle littering
BUSINESSES along the Garavogue river need to work together with the County Council to ensure it’s kept litter free.
That’s according to Councillor Chris MacManus who raised the issue of litter along the riverbank at the Municipal District meeting last week.
“A number of constituents have brought to my attention the condition of the riverbank between Hyde Bridge and Markievicz Bridge - there are cans, cigarette butts etc,” he told members.
“There’s a responsibility on all of us. There’s still a mentality out there that if you toss it away and you can’t see it it’s not a problem.
“There’s also responsibility on business owners to ensure their immediate environment is kept in a good manner,” he said.
“We allow businesses to use the public footpath for tables in summer and it encourages people to enjoy the river,” he said.
Cllr MacManus said that when he used to work at the Four Lanterns restaurant he would go out on the streets after hours and clean up after customers.
“The business community needs to work in partnership to ensure the river can be enjoyed by all,” he added.
Cllr Gino O’Boyle suggested the Council send out letters to businesses along the river in advance of the summer season.
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather said their Environment Awareness Officer would be asked to engage with riverbank businesses “to make them aware” of their litter responsibilities in the run up to summer.
Cllr Marie Casserly paid tribute to Sligo Tidy Towns.
Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Hubert Keaney suggested a promotional campaign.
“If we continue to pick up rubbish we’re only reinforcing people’s bad habits,” he said.