Worsening problem of litter dumping in North Tipp

Community groups across Tipperary are continuing to take up the fight against the worsening problem of litter and illegal dumping.

Among them is the Toomevara Community Development Association, members of which recently filled a council tipper van with rubbish they picked from roads around the village. The volunteers generally organise a couple of cleanups every year, starting with the village and working their way out the approach roads. Like many local groups involved in similar initiatives, they have noticed a remarkable increase in rubbish discarded in their community since the pandemic began.

“At the moment it's very bad,” said Mary Casey of Toomevara Community Development Association. “It's the worst year we've ever seen, I'd say, but we have pride in the place so we pick it up.

“That's been very successful, but you could turn around again next week and it would nearly be as bad again.”

Eighteen volunteers spent three weekends on the latest cleanup. They worked in small groups that went out at different times, mindful of the coronavirus situation.

Ms Casey said a positive aspect of the pandemic is that people have more time on their hands to help out with litter picks. She spoke of great enthusiasm in the Toomevara community to respond to the problem and she praised everyone involved for turning up and helping out where asked.

“We have a great community here in Toomevara. If you want something done, it's no bother, you'll always find somebody to give a hand.”

Ms Casey added that Tipperary Co Council has been very supportive in collecting rubbish gathered by the community, and she believed many more communities would organise similar cleanups if they knew the council provides such a service. The Toomevara group will probably organise another litter pick before the start of summer and always welcomes more volunteers to join. The group recently set up a Facebook page to encourage people to get in contact, and it provide updates through the Toomevara Parish Facebook page and Parish Newsletter.

EDUCATION

Meanwhile Liz Powell, who has been at the forefront of holding litter picks in neighbouring Ballinaclough this year, believes greater efforts should be made to educate young people about their environment. She said the global ‘Picker Pals’ movement, which provides equipment as a well as information about tackling litter, has been adopted by some Irish schools and has received a positive response.

Ms Powell reckoned a big difference would be seen if people were aware of such programmes. She also pointed out that An Taisce's Spring Clean initiative is open for registration this year.

In trying to get to the root of the litter problem, Ms Powell said it has been suggested to her that perhaps bins should be provided as part of the Household Charge, as some householders cannot afford licensed rubbish disposal. She also praised the role of the local council and said the best first step for people interested in gathering their community together is to contact the council's Environment section.

SHALLEE LITTER

Shallee Enhancement Group was involved in another local community cleanup last month, in which some 52 bags of rubbish were gathered along with a dumped leather armchair.

Chairperson Joan O'Brien thanked all involved including Noel Searson of Tipperary Co Council. Ms O'Brien said the chair was found in a ditch on the R499, close to the entrance of the former Mogul mining complex, where it had been for about two years.

Unfortunately, she said there are still some irretrievable bags half-buried in ditches and drains in the area, where grass is now being dumped in water tables. Ms O'Brien also reported a load of sawdust dumped at the entrance to the old railway station on the R499 at Shallee.