Kennedy disappointed as Swords branded ‘moderately littered’

Dublin North T.D. Michael Kennedy has expressed his disappointment today to see Swords listed as ‘moderately littered’ in the latest survey from Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) for the first time since 2007 and has endorsed the group’s Litter Twitter campaign in an effort to ensure Ireland’s litter problems can be resolved.

“This is the first time since 2007 that Swords has been branded as moderately littered.  Since then the town has enjoyed the status of ‘litter free’.  I know Swords Tidy Towns Committee and businesses around the town will be disappointed to hear this news and I think the community will now re-double the efforts needed to regain ‘litter free’ status,” said Deputy Kennedy.

“I welcome the publication of the IBAL survey.  I believe the survey is very important and I hope Swords will again make good progress in tackling the problem of litter.  I am also support IBAL’s Litter Twitter campaign which is an imaginative idea and enable Fingal County Council to be alerted to areas that are suffering from litter.”

Photos of littered areas can be emailed to litter-spotter.2010@twitpic.com and people can follow the IBAL campaign at www.twitter.com/litterspotter.

“As Vice chairman Joint Committee on Arts, Sports and Tourism I know the impact litter can have on the economy of a town like Swords, particularly when it comes to trying to attract visitors.  I believe litter is totally unnecessary and totally unacceptable.  The tourism and hospitality sector supports in the region of 200,000 jobs around the country and we must protect it as much as possible.”

“I am glad to see that the latest IBAL survey has revealed a strong improvement in Dublin Centre City which will be a major boost to the city, its businesses and residents.  I want to remind people in Swords and across North Dublin that Fingal County Council provides a freephone number, 1800 20 10 93, where members of the public can report incidents of littering,” concluded Deputy Kennedy.