Waterford schools to take up the litter challenge 

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, recently launched the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge and numerous schools around the county are stepping up to meet it.

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

As part of the eight-week challenge, secondary school students from across the Déise will be encouraged to identify litter black spots in their communities and carry out regular litter picking of the area. In addition, the students will learn about the sources of litter, and about the benefits of reusing and recycling items.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Murphy said: "I'd like to acknowledge all the students and their teachers for once again signing up to the Schools Litter Challenge. We're in the fourth year of this initiative and the change for good that has been made by each and every one of you is to be commended."

"It would be naïve to not be concerned about the environmental harm that litter, particularly single use plastics, causes," said Cllr Murphy.

"However, knowing that the next generation is prepared to take action to alleviate that damage is heartening," he added.

Emphasising the fact Waterford has consistently ranked as Ireland's Cleanest City he said environmental awareness initiatives such as that being launched, coupled with the continued support of the local business community, particularly Tom Murphy Car Sales, is keeping Waterford a clean and welcoming place to live, work and invest in.

Waterford City and County Council has provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota has sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school.

Michael Oporowicz, Area Sales Manager for Toyota Ireland said: "Toyota is delighted to support this amazing initiative which aligns with our brand promise, Built For A Better World, which strives to make a positive and tangible difference to Irish society."

"This program makes a huge difference to the people of Waterford, and we are delighted that Tom Murphy is leading this program," he said, before adding: "Tom Murphy has been at the heart of Waterford's community for over 50 years and is passionate about Waterford, its people and its presentation. We are looking forward to working with the schools and Waterford City and County Council to realise our aim in working towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly future for generations to come."

Meanwhile, 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 St Augustine’s College, Dungarvan 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 will run until December 20, with the overall winners announced by Mayor Murphy at a reception in City Hall in January.