Up to 400,000 people are expected to take part in cleaning schemes across the country next month as part of the annual National Spring Clean campaign. Last year, 3,400 tonnes of waste was collected during the campaign.
The initiative is organised by An Taisce and funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The campaign is also being supported by Repak, who are providing colour-coded refuse sacks for recycling. Campaign chairwoman Patricia Oliver said that the number of people involved grows every year. "Most of the participants have realised that the National Spring Clean campaign is a positive, fun way of coming together with their neighbours to ensure their road, estate, park, parish, village or community is cleaner," she said.
"These volunteers have returned to the campaign year after year, bringing in more volunteers to help reduce the amount of litter in their neighbourhoods.
"The campaign brings together local residents, community groups and businesses in every parish in Ireland for a very worthwhile cause. Everyone and anyone can get involved because it's a simple but effective campaign."
Every group that registers on the campaign's website - located at www.nationalspringclean.org - receives a free clean-up kit, containing posters, refuse sacks, gloves and overalls. - (PA)