'Not a difficult ask,' Waterford council responds to IBAL result in Dungarvan

Waterford City and County Council have stepped up litter patrols in Dungarvan in response to last month’s IBAL survey.

A survey of beaches and waterways found that Dungarvan had slipped to moderately littered, while Tramore was confirmed clean.

According to the update from the Environment department, at the September Dungarvan-Lismore District Council meeting, litter patrols have been increased.

But Senior Executive Officer Dawn Wallace said the issue is not clean-ups but the people littering to begin with.

“Take your litter home. Do not throw it on the floor. You know, when there are no bins provided, we should be taking our litter home with us regardless. And that is the message I want to put out.

“If you take something out with you, take it home with you. That’s not actually a difficult ask,” said Ms Wallace.

The issue was originally raised by Councillor Kate O’Mahoney, who praised the council’s presentation team and local volunteer groups for their work in keeping the area clean.

“It is quite disappointing to see Dungarvan in the moderately littered category compared to our neighbours in Tramore.

“And I’m pleased to see the responsiveness of the department by having our enforcement officer increase foot patrols, said Cllr O’Mahoney.

Cllr Thomas Phelan also commended the efforts of the staff and volunteers.

He asked that there be a review of bins in the town so that people can throw away rubbish appropriately.

“I know Tramore fared better than Dungarvan in the survey, but I also note that Tramore has a lot more bins on the Prom, which is their key area. In Dungarvan, you can walk from the square without coming across a bin, said Cllr Phelan.

Ms Wallace responded, saying that more bins seem to create more rubbish.