MEMBERS of the Dublin City Canals group gathered at the Grand Canal on Mespil Road recently for the launch of an appeal for volunteers for the upcoming Canal Clean Up Day.
The aim of the group is to promote the use of both of Dublin’s beautiful canals to their fullest potential as amenities.
To this end regular volunteer clean ups are organised throughout the year with the first major one taking place along both the Royal and Grand Canals on Saturday, April 25.
This clean up takes place following the very successful Dodder Action Day and during events organised by An Taisce as part of their National Spring Clean.
Dublin City Canals is a non-profit organisation comprised of representatives from volunteer clean up and local community groups, small local businesses, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland.
Sid Daly of Dublin City Council, said:
“The idea here is to build on the work carried out voluntarily by existing clean up groups on both canals and to bring all canal lovers and users together on one day to do a general clean up.
“The canals belong to everyone in the city and we would love for as many people as possible to come out and join us on April 25.
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Mick Kinihan of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland said volunteer clean ups have been taking place for seven years on both the Royal and Grand Canals in hail, rain or shine.
“Now we’re all coming together on one day to work together to make our canals beautiful,
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“I know I speak for all of the Friends of the Grand Canal, when I say it’s a pleasure to clean our wonderful Grand Canal each month.
“Both canals are such assets to the community. We should never take their beauty and usefulness for granted.
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Joan Wadsworth of Friends of the Grand Canal added:
“The Grand Canal adds so much to living in Dublin.
“So many people enjoy it and our group is happy to help by cleaning up once a month.
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Anyone interested in taking part in the clean up day on April 25 can sign up via www.volunteer.ie