Pure Project shortlisted for international award
By Mary Dennehy
A PROJECT that works alongside urban and rural communities in South Dublin County in a bid to tackle illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands has been shortlisted in an international awards programme.
The Pure Project has been shortlisted for the International Climbing and Mountain Federation Mountain Protection Award 2019.
The Dublin Mountains in all their glory
Pure is listed among 12 finalists from across the globe, including Nepal, Switzerland, Iran, Bolivia and Ecuador.
In recent years, Pure has teamed up with Tallaght residents living along the foothills of the Dublin Mountains in an attempt to keep them clean and tackle illegal dumping in areas such as Piperstown, Horan’s Lane, Ballymana and Kiltipper.
The project is also behind the Pure Mile campaign, which challenges communities to clean a mile within their community – with local areas, including Glenasmole, winning awards through the initiative.
The Pure Mile has, overall, seen 500 miles of road, mountains, valleys, woodlands and forest being improved and enhanced – with more than 2,500 volunteers assisting Pure to clean the uplands.
Alongside communities, Pure also works with businesses, clubs and groups to tackle illegal dumping.
Commenting on making the shortlist, Ian Davies, of the Pure Project, said: “I am delighted that Pure has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.
“It’s also fantastic that all of the volunteers of the Pure Mile are receiving the recognition that they deserve.
“They dedicate so much time, energy and commitment to improving and enhancing the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands.”
The first of its kind in Ireland, the Pure Project is a partnership project that includes statutory and non-statutory organisations, including South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Wicklow County Council, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Wicklow Uplands Council.
Funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Pure was officially launched in 2006 – and has since removed over 3,300 tonnes of illegal dumping from the Wicklow/Dublin uplands.
More than 11,000 reports of illegal dumping have also being received by Pure.
Report illegal dumping in the Dublin Mountains, and in the foothills, to Pure on 1850 365 121.
