Dublin 7 residents take part in anti-litter effort

LOCAL residents in Dublin 7 are taking up brushes and litter pickers in an effort to make their communities a better place to live.

The clean-ups began in Stoneybatter on July 4 and 11 when residents in high visibility vests armed with shovels and plastic bags set about clearing rubbish from Aughrim Street, Prussia Street, Manor Street, Stoneybatter and some adjoining streets.

Local TD, Joe Costello (Lab), said the clean-ups were organised to help tackle a major problem with litter and dumping in the North Inner City.

“I receive an increasing number of complaints from local people in the area,

? he said.

“Dublin City Council responds promptly to calls for dumped rubbish to be taken away. However, it is a losing battle and dumping and litter blackspots are hard to eliminate.

?

Deputy Costello says he believes the key to tackling the problem involves a community response, engagement with the business sector and landlords, close collaboration with Dublin City Council and more CCTV cameras to identify those who are creating the problem.

“People in Phibsborough have been meeting for the last six months and conducting a local clean-up,

? he added.

“I believe we should follow suit in Stoneybatter.

?

Dublin City Council is providing equipment and collecting bags of rubbish after the local clean-ups. A clean-up of Arbour Hill and Montpelier took place last weekend and more are planned over the coming weeks.

Recycling collection days are now taking place in Arbour Hill and Stoneybatter area every second Tuesday in conjunction with the clean-ups.

The next collection days take place on August 4 and 18.