Kilkenny Council vows to continue ‘zero tolerance’ war on litter louts
KILKENNY County Council has said it will continue to take a “zero tolerance approach” to dumping to ensure the Marble City stays top of the country’s litter league.
Yesterday it was confirmed that Kilkenny had been named Ireland’s cleanest town for the fifth time in the latest nationwide survey by the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).
An Táisce complimented Kilkenny on “returning to a place it has been many times – the top of the IBAL table and advised that the entire area was pristine.”
And Kilkenny County Council has no intention of relaxing it’s rigorous anti-litter policies over the coming months.
The council’s Director of Services Sean McKeown said: “Kilkenny County Council are delighted to once again top the pole at the start of a new term for our elected council. Keeping Kilkenny clean and litter free requires not only significant financial investment but investment in education and awareness and enforcement which the Environment Section of the Council delivers on and will continue to develop.”
The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, added: “Scoring first place for the fifth time takes huge work, effort and commitment. I want to thank council staff and community volunteers who work tirelessly to keep Kilkenny pristine.”
Mr McKeown paid tribute to the significant input of voluntary groups, particularly Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and Kilkenny Sub Aqua who he said “play a major role in keeping our roadways, streets and rivers clean and litter free.”
The council said it would maintain a “a zero tolerance approach” to illegal dumping “in order to protect public health and keep our city clean.”
The council urged members of the public to play their part by reporting illegal dumping activity by calling the litter hotline on 1800-200-156.
PHOTO: Vicky Comerford