New measure to tackle rubbish in Dublin city centre hailed as 'game changer'
Up to 1,000 plastic bags could be removed from Dublin streets per day as part of an upcoming scheme to clean up the city.
Dublin City Council have announced plans for installation of new waste compactors on Fownes Street Upper and St. Stephens Green as part of a new cleaning pilot scheme. This initiative will see plastic bags removed from 90 streets, with the intention of expanding the scheme over the coming months.
Coinciding with the broader ‘No More Rubbish Excuses’ campaign, which stresses everyone who lives, works, and visits the city has a responsibility to keep Dublin clean, the compactors are in addition to the 3,500 city bins in Dublin. A statement from Dublin City Council states: “The message is clear; there is no excuse for littering in Dublin.”
The campaign is in response to the increasing challenge of managing waste in Dublin, which has been amplified by a growing population, rising economic activity, and an increase in events across the city.
The compactors will be available to business and residents based in the area of the pilot scheme and have been warmly welcomed by local representatives. Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam called the compactors a “game changer” that will significantly reduce the amount of waste in city streets.
“We are investing in a cleaner, more sustainable Dublin, but this is a partnership, so we ask every resident, business, and visitor to do their part and help us make a real difference,” Councillor McAdam said.
Dublin City Council have also reminded businesses of their legal responsibility to keep the outside of their premises clean and waste free. Businesses that sign up the council’s Waste Charter will be informed of their responsibilities under local byelaws.
Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare stated the council is clear in their intent to listen to local concerns and tackle waste management head-on. He said: ”With increased enforcement, staff, and new technologies, he says the infrastructure is now in place.
“Now, it's time for every one of us to take personal responsibility and help keep our city clean. We are committed to a cleaner Dublin, and this is a major step forward."
A 3-pillar Waste Management Strategy has been put in place to attempt to address waste issues in the city with the council investing additional staff and vehicles to enhance cleaning zones and ensure tougher enforcement. Increased enforcement measures include the introduction of new litter wardens, with night patrols now in operation and fines being issued to anyone caught littering.
Executive Manager Derek Kelly said "there are more bins, extra staff and expanded cleaning zones than ever before" and there’s no more room for excuses.
“It is now up to everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Dublin to take personal responsibility and dispose of their litter properly. Dublin belongs to all of us, and it is up to all of us to keep it clean,” he added.
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