Dodder Action group to launch campaign at clean-up day this Saturday

By Mary Dennehy

A NEW campaign calling for the introduction of a cash incentive on the return of bottles and cans is being launched this weekend at Dodder Action Day.

The clean-up day will take to the banks of the 24km river this Saturday, April 22, from 11am to 1pm – with meeting points in Tallaght, Knocklyon and Rathfarnham included.

Members of the community are encouraged to come out on the day and help clean and protect the vibrant river, alongside joining the Dodder Action group’s campaign for deposits on bottles and cans.

According to Victoria White, Chairperson of Dodder Action, almost two-thirds of what volunteers collect on any given litter-pick is cans and glass and plastic bottles.

“This year we are pioneering the payment of a deposit on bottles and cans,” Ms White told The Echo.

“There would need to be Government legislation if this was to come about, but it does exist in other countries around the world, and works.

“We have a real problem along the river with bottles and cans and a specific issue in this country with drinking parties and what’s left behind.

“It’s the height of ignorance to leave cans and bottles behind but we do have to incentivise some people to be responsible and to pick up after themselves.

“The river has gotten a lot better since the clean-ups started, but we can’t simply continue to pick up after people, we need to start changing behaviour somehow.”

She added: “A deposit on cans and bottles would also be a reward for all of the volunteers and children litter-picking along the river – and it is also a good way to redistribute to those less well off.

“We’re thinking around 10 cent per can or bottle, and we believe that this could very quickly get bottles and cans off our beauty resources.”

Ms White believes that a vending machine system would be the way to go, with the existing bring-centre system continuing to operate as normal.

Members of the public are encouraged to join the litter-pick this Saturday, April 22, with litter pickers, bags and gloves available for those who need them.

The 11am meeting points in Tallaght, Knocklyon and Rathfarnham include, Whitestown Stream (St Dominic’s School, Tallaght), Old Bawn (park entrance near Homelawn Road), Firhouse (park entrance to Mount Carmel Park), Knocklyon (Spawell link-road car park) and Rathfarnham (the footbridge, Bushy Park).

The clean-up at Whitestown stream off the Tallaght By-pass is being facilitated by the Tallaght Community Council (TCC).

For further details visit www.dodderactiondublin.com, www.dodderaction.org, Dodder Action on Facebook and Twitter or email dodderaction@gmail.com