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[Press Release: November 18th, 2002] GREENS URGE CLEAN-UP OF WICKLOW COASTLINEThe Wicklow Greens have called for a "massive clean-up" of the Wicklow coastline and are encouraging people to join them in regular clean-ups. "We are all aware that the state of health of our coastline leaves a lot to be desired" says Green Party councillor Deirdre de Burca "but we often expect the local authority to look after the problem".Councillor de Burca points out that there are many issues affecting our coastline at present including litter, illegal dumping, oil spills and coastal erosion. She explains that the Green Party in Wicklow has begun to organise its own coastal clean-ups and that these are proving to be very effective."In Bray we have concentrated on cleaning up the Harbour Area where the swans provide so much pleasure to members of the public" she says. "With four or five people, a huge amount of cleaning up can be done in a very short period of time and there is a great feeling of satisfaction afterwards". The Wicklow Greens are also involved in the Coastwatch 2002 Survey, an anuual survey which involves monitoring changes in the Coastline from year to year.They hope to complete the stretch of coastline from Wicklow Town to Bray by Christmas. "One of the biggest changes we have noticed over the past year is the almost complete disappearance of plastic bags from the shoreline" she says. "This is a very positive development, but unfortunately there has been a big increase in the number of plastic bottles being washed up on our shores". The Green Party favours the introduction of a refund scheme for plastic bottles and believes that this system would solve the growing problem of plastic bottles in the waste stream. The Wicklow Greens are inviting any member of the public to join them in the regular coastal clean-ups that are being organised. For further details ring Ciaran on 087 2060223. For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |