Pure Mile does us proud!
By Mary Dennehy
A RECENT litter-pick in the Glenasmole Valley and Piperstown resulted in the removal of more than 1,000kg of rubbish and waste.
The sweep was part of the Pure Mile ‘Clean up the Uplands’ initiative and saw 20 people gather to clean the Piperstown and Military Road area, and into the Wicklow uplands.
Volunteers from the Atha Cliath Pure Mile Group
According to a press release issed by the Pure project, the recent fine weather, coupled with an easing of travel restrictions, has seen an increase of visitors to the South Dublin uplands – with many of the mountain areas witnessing an increase in litter.
The beautiful valley of Glenasmole and Piperstown in South Dublin is an area that continues to be affected by dumping.
“‘The South Dublin uplands is a unique landscape and environment, attracting thousands of visitors annually,” Ian Davis, manager of the Pure project said.
“It is also worth noting that this landscape is of environmental significance and is now part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
“It is an area of both Irish and European significance and protected under the European Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation.
“The amount of litter and dumping encountered on the day was both disgusting and disheartening.
“However, the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment demonstrated by the people involved in the clean-up was extremely uplifting.”
The rubbish was removed by the Atha Cliath Pure Mile Group, which walked miles of scenic upland road picking litter from road verges.
The Pure truck concentrated on removing larger items of dumped rubbish, including mattresses, chairs and other household waste.
Pure provide all Pure Mile groups with signage, bags, gloves litter-pickers and Pure Mile high-vis vests.
They also remove all of the rubbish collected.
Pure was officially launched in 2006 to combat illegal dumping and fly-tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin mountains.
The initiative is a partnership project, including South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Wicklow Uplands Council.
Another Pure Mile clean-up is taking place in late August and will see a number of Pure Mile groups join forces to clean the stretch of road between Kilakee carpark to Sally Gap.
Anybody interested in taking part, or any community which would like to establish their own Pure Mile group, is invited to contact the Pure Project.
For further information visit www.pureproject.ie or email info@pureproject.ie.
To report dumpers and dumping call Lo Call 1850 365 121.
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