2013-03-19 13:12:55 - Limerick County Council, in association with An Taisce, is urging people all over Limerick to get involved in the 14th annual National Spring Clean Campaign.

An Taisce’s National Spring Clean Ambassador and Model, Sarah McGovern this week launched the country’s largest anti-litter initiative by joining staff from the Local Authority’s Environment section to participate in a clean-up at The Old School House in Grange.

Participation in this year’s campaign, which takes place from the 1st to 30th of April, is open to individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups. In 2012, approximately 180 local groups took part in the month-long campaign with more than a half a million people nationally coming together to organise clean-up events in their communities.

“Most participants see National Spring Clean campaign as a positive and fun way of coming together with their neighbours to ensure that their road, estate, park, parish, village

or community is cleaner,” explained Caroline Curley, Director of Services, Environment, Limerick City and County Councils.

Ms. Curley added: “Participation in National Spring Clean is open to all, from individuals to community groups such as residents’ associations, TidyTowns committees, sporting organisations, youth groups, schools and businesses.”

Groups and individuals that register to participate are issued clean-up kits containing valuable tips on how to hold a successful clean-up event, posters to advertise an event, plastic bags in which to collect litter and recyclable material, and tabards and gloves.

According to Helen Keays, Environment Section, Limerick County Council: “Taking part in the National Spring Clean is very straight forward; set a date and time and encourage as many people as possible to come along. Companies are often keen to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and linking up with a local group or school is a great way to develop links within the community.”

Ms. Keays continued: “All waste should be segregated. For example, recyclables should be placed in one bag and general waste in a separate bag. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the Council to remove green waste road sweepings collected by individuals or groups. Groups requiring additional equipment or wishing to arrange for the collection of bagged waste should contact Limerick County Council’s Environment Section at 061 496264.”

Persons or groups interested in registering for the campaign can do so directly via the National Spring Clean website at www.nationalspringclean.org or by calling the National Spring Clean hotline on (01) 4002219/4002220.