Kennedy secures commitment on M1 litter amid crucial tourist season

Dublin North T.D. Michael Kennedy has secured a commitment from Fingal County Council that essential litter collections will take place along the M1 over the remaining weekends in June.

“I’m glad Fingal County Council has recognised the need to carry out ongoing collection of litter along the M1 in light of the need to present Ireland in the best possible light to tourists coming into Dublin Airport or travelling from the North.  This will protect jobs and help our economy,” said Deputy Kennedy, who is a member of the Joint Committee on Transport.

“I raised this issue with the Council, which maintains the motorway on behalf of the NRA, and while there is a safety issue in relation to debris but there is also an enormous need to present the country well.  The M1 is the main corridor between the Republic and the North and a main route taken by tourists who fly into Dublin.”

“The tourism and hospitality sector supports in the region of 200,000 jobs and we must protect it as much as we can.  Litter is totally unnecessary and totally unacceptable.  We should be putting our best foot forward at a difficult time for the tourism sector and when people litter they should remember they’re acting against what’s in the best interests of all of us.”

“I want to urge anyone who sees dumping, fly-tipping or littering of any kind to immediately report it to Fingal County Council on the freephone number 1800 20 10 93.”

“The Council has made it clear that due to high speeds on the motorway network there are strict rules in place around when work including litter picking and grass cutting can take place.”

“The Council has informed me that over two weekends in April all litter and waste along the M1 from Gormanstown to Dublin Airport.  This included debris included nine tonnes of tyres and five tonnes of other recyclables including timber pallets and steel.”

“I am also pleased to inform concerned motorists that the Council intends to carry out a full grass cutting and litter collection exercise over at weekends during this month,” concluded Deputy Kennedy.