Pure Project volunteers remove seven tonnes of illegally dumped waste

ALMOST seven tonnes of illegally dumped waste were removed from the Dublin and Wicklow Uplands over a three-day period last week.

The waste was removed by volunteers from the Pure Project, which carries out clean-ups of the uplands and has 3,000 volunteers who cover 900 miles of roads, mountains and woodlands.

Ian Davis, the manager of the Pure Project, told The Echo that while the removal of the dumped waste may seem like a significant haul, it is a vast improvement on the amount collected previously.

“In the past, we’ve had an increase in illegal dumping post-Christmas, people are getting rid of unwanted material because they have new material,” he explained.

“In January 2011, we removed 27 tonnes, so even though nearly seven tonnes last week sounds quite bad, in comparison to the past, it’s much better.”

The dedicated team of volunteers routinely carry out clean-ups, however a litter pick that was due to the take place in the uplands was cancelled last month – because of a lack of dumped material.

When asked about what keeps him motivated, Ian said: “I’m always optimistic, because when I started this project in 2006, I remember a day where we removed 440 tonnes of illegal dumping.

“If you look at last year, 2023, that’s a 70 per cent reduction, so that’s why I’m always optimistic.”

The group works in partnership with South Dublin County Council, Coillte, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to keep the uplands free of illegally dumped waste.

“I think the success of the Pure Mile Project,” said Ian, “is mainly demonstrated by the fact that people want to do something to enhance our environment.”