Waterford schools take the Schools Litter Challenge!

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan recently launched the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge at the Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota dealership on the Cork Road.

The challenge, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

Over the course of the next six weeks, secondary school students from across the city and county will be out litter-picking in their localities. The initiative not only helps to keep our streets and parks litter-free, but it also highlights the detrimental effect litter, particularly single-use plastics, has on the environment.

Mayor Ryan said, “I am delighted to launch the fifth Schools Litter Challenge with our good friend and sponsor, Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota.

“The success of the challenge is immeasurable. Over the last four years, and I don’t expect this year to be any different, students from schools throughout the city and county have removed bag after bag of litter. I want to commend them and their teachers for their dedication and commitment in helping Waterford become litter-free.

“Their enthusiasm is infectious and if this challenge spurs one person to clean up their rubbish after them, the message is unequivocal…small changes have big impacts on the environment.

“The support of local businesses can never be underestimated, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all the team at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota for their support in once again helping Waterford retain its title of Ireland’s Cleanest City.” 

For the challenge, Waterford City and County Council is providing bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools, with Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota sponsoring the €1,500 prize for the winning school.

Welcoming the return of the challenge, Tom Murphy, Chairman of TMCS said, “This year’s challenge is particularly special as we celebrate half a decade of collaboration and positive change. We are thrilled by the increasing enthusiasm we see from the schools taking part and the invaluable support we get from our business partners Toyota Ireland, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

“At the heart of the Schools Litter Challenge lies the belief that every individual has a role to play in protecting our environment and strengthening our sense of community. By taking part in this challenge, students are not only learning about the detrimental effects of littering but are also developing a deep appreciation for civic engagement and teamwork,” Mr. Murphy added.

Present at the launch was Waterpark College teacher, Deirdre Cahill, overall winners in 2024. Speaking of last year’s challenge, Deirdre said, “The Schools Litter Challenge was enthusiastically embraced by all the students last year and we are looking forward to partaking again this year. There was no doubt that our students invested time, energy and commitment to the task, and we were delighted to see that dedication rewarded.

“Initiatives such as the Schools Litter Challenge are a great way for students to get involved and realise the beneficial impacts of cleaner, greener communities and localities.” 

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, "We got a great reaction from the 11 schools from across the city and county who undertook the challenge last year. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were contagious, and while Waterpark College emerged as overall winner, the efforts of all the schools did not go unnoticed as there was an apparent reduction in litter and debris in their designated areas."

The Schools Litter Challenge runs until December 10, with the overall winners announced by the Mayor at a reception in City Hall on December 17.