This article is from page 24 of the 2007-07-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
THE first phase of the recently launched ‘Ennis Environmental Challenge’got underway at the week- end, when residents’ associations in the town took part in clean up days organised by Ennis Town Council. One of the main objectives of the Challenge is to generate a commu- nity wide responsibility and owner- ship for the appearance and tidiness of Ennis by raising awareness of the negative impact of litter.
Cllr. Tommy Brennan, Mayor of Ennis said, “Ennis Environmental Challenge is an opportunity to pro- mote the attractiveness of Ennis as a place to live, work, visit and invest. The initiative taken by the Coun- cil is more than an environmental campaign. With the co-operation of the entire community the image and profile of Ennis can be enhanced lo- cally, nationally and internationally.” Eddie Power, Acting Director of Services said, “Particular attention has been focused on Abbey Street, O’Connell Street, O’Connell Square, High Street and Parnell Street. The Council Litter Wardens have been patrolling these areas and commu- nicating the litter awareness message to the general public. Enforcement of the Litter Pollution laws is ongo- ing through the issue of on the spot JUDE
He added, “Council staff have been deployed to these town centre streets and have had a visible presence in re- cent weeks. The business premises in this core area of the town are pro- moting this environmental initiative by displaying the Ennis Environ-
mental Challenge logo and slogan – Your Town, Your Environment, Your Responsibility.
Street surveys undertaken indicate that cigarette ends continue to be a matter for attention.
The Council has acquired a vacuum/ blower that facilitates the removal of cigarette ends and small pieces of lit- ter. However, the challenge remains for the public to act responsibly in the disposal of such litter and this is particularly important in the run up to the adjudication of the National
Tidy Towns Competition 2007”.
The ‘Ennis Environmental Chal- lenge’ will feature a range of waste prevention initiatives including the introduction of litter free zones, the employment of extra resources and the use of mobile CCTV cameras in designated areas, such as housing es- tates and public areas, as an enforce- ment measure to combat littering and indiscriminate dumping.
Other measures being introduced by Ennis Town Council include the operation of a revised cleaning
schedule, the provision of colourful floral displays and hanging baskets throughout the town, hosting of an awareness campaign in national and secondary schools, and the produc- tion of a promotional/educational video on the ‘Ennis Environmental Challenge’.
Members of the public are also re- minded that Minister for the Envi- ronment and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, has just announced an increase in litter fines from €125.00 to €150.00.