Clare County Council is introducing a series of litter prevention measures at Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road and Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park.
Funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications under the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2024, the initiative aims to increase public awareness of litter pollution.
Meanwhile, Clare County Council is piloting the introduction of ‘Big Belly’ solar-powered litter bins at Lees Road for the remainder of the summer. ‘Big Belly’ bins feature smart technology that informs facilities management crews of overall usage and when they are ready for emptying.
“The installation of the bins at Lees Road is a key to improving waste segregation and recycling rates at Lees Road,” explained Tim Forde, General Manager of Active Ennis.
He continued, “‘General Waste’ and ‘Recycling’ signage also is being placed on existing blue and green litter bins throughout Lees Road and Tim Smythe Park, while measures will be introduced to reduce fly-tipping activity in the outer car parks.”
Mr. Forde continued, “We are also introducing measures aimed at reducing incidences of dog fouling. Larger dog fouling bins will be placed at the entrance to the woods at Lees Road, stencils advising dog owners to pick up dog waste are being placed on pathways, and a Dog Fouling Audio Device advising owners to clean up after their dogs is being moved to the forest entrance where there is a higher footfall of dog walkers.”
Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer for Clare County Council commented, “We are asking members of the public to take responsibility for their litter and to help keep Lees Road and Tim Smythe Park litter-free. We will be writing to local sports clubs to advise them that plastic bottles must be removed after each training session and match. Furthermore, dog fouling is both dangerous from a public health perspective and unsightly, which is why we are asking dog owners clean up after their pets.”