'ENNIS ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE' TO FEATURE MOBILE CCTV AND LITTER FREE ZONES

Ennis Town Council today launched a major environmental initiative aimed at building on the County Capital’s tidy town success while establishing a shared community-wide response to litter prevention. The 'Ennis Environmental Challenge' will feature a range of waste prevention initiatives including the introduction of litter free zones, the employment of extra resources and the use of mobile CCTV cameras.

Mayor of Ennis Councillor Joe Reidy, who launched the 'Ennis Environmental Challenge' said, "The main objective of this programme is to generate a community wide responsibility for and ownership of the appearance and tidiness of Ennis. We are confident that this approach will help develop a positive public attitude towards litter prevention and will lead to a lasting change in behaviour."

The first phase of the campaign involves the designation of Abbey Street, O'Connell Street, Parnell Street and High Street as a pilot area, within which litter free status will be targeted.

Other town centre locations will be designated as target litter free zones in the second phase. Additional staff resources will be assigned to support initial stages of the initiative.

Welcome the launch of the environmental campaign, Mr. Tom Coughlan, Ennis Town Manager stated, "The Challenge will help the town build on its success and achievements in the annual National Tidy Town's Competition. I am especially confident that it will enhance the image and profile of Ennis locally, nationally and internationally. In doing so, the town will become an attractive place to live, work, invest in and visit."

Other measures being introduced by Ennis Town Council include the operation of a revised cleaning schedule, the provision of colourful floral displays and hanging baskets throughout the town, the hosting of an awareness campaign in national and secondary schools, and the production of a promotional/educational video on the 'Ennis Environmental Challenge'. Meanwhile, the Council will use mobile Closed Circuit Television in designated areas, housing estates and public areas as an enforcement measure to combat littering and indiscriminate dumping.

Eddie Power, Ennis Town Clerk stated that the overall success of the 'Ennis Environmental Challenge' rested with local residents, business owners and those who frequent the town.

"Ennis Town Council will be launching measures aimed at further improving the existing community-wide and shared approach to combating litter in the town. For example, the Local Authority will organise cleaning days across the town's housing estates. Financial support will be provided through the Council's Priming Grants Scheme for Residents Associations while an additional Bonus Grant will be presented to the Best Kept Estate. We will also be taking action on derelict sites and asking the owners of certain buildings and sites to carry out maintenance work where necessary", he added.

Mr. Eddie Power, Ennis Town Clerk explained that the litter initiatives would be closely monitored throughout the Challenge.

He indicated, "A log or record including photographic evidence of the condition of streets will be complied twice daily to monitor progress. An independent audit will also be conducted in the designated areas to verify progress and determine 'litter Free Status'. 'Litter Free Zone' signs will then be erected following the successful completion of the verification process."

Mr. Power confirmed that regular updates on the progress of the 'Ennis Environmental Challenge' would be carried in the local media throughout the course of the initiative.

Today's campaign launch took place at Waterpark House in Ennis and was attended by Shannon Development, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, local sports clubs and organisations, national and secondary school representatives, Ennis Tidy Towns Committee, An Garda Síochána, waster service providers, Residents Associations, local authority officials and elected members, tourism sector representatives and members of the business community.

For more on The Ennis Environmental Challenge log on to www.ennistowncouncil.ie or contact Ennis Town Council at 065-6828040 or eec@ennistowncouncil.ie

-ENDS-

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
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