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[Press Release: October 22nd, 2002] GREENS WELCOME PLANNED RECYCLING CENTRES FOR WICKLOWFollowing yesterday's meeting of the Environmental Strategic Policy Committee of Wicklow County Council, Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca, has welcomed the council's plans to introduce four new recycling centres in the county in the short-term. "I was delighted to hear plans outlined today for four new recycling centres in Wicklow town, Ballymurtagh, Arklow and Blessington" she says. "These recycling centres will be known as 'civic amenity sites' and will offer a wider range of recycling facilities than has been available to date".Councillor de Burca points out that the kind of service that these recycling centres will provide will depend on whether the necessary funding is available from the Department of the Environment. "Civic amenity or recycling centres are expensive to maintain" she says. "Wicklow County Council is hopeful that its application for funding under the Departments' Environmmental Fund will be successful. If so, the council will be able to offer a much more extensive recycling service than has been available to date, including such materials as furniture, bicycles, steel cans, plastic bags etc." Councillor de Burca has expressed her concern that the council has not yet succeeded in identifying suitable sites for recycling centres in highly populated areas such as Bray and Greystones. "These are the areas where the greatest volumes of domestic waste are produced because of the population levels" she says."The council must prioritise the identification of suitable sites for recycling centres in these areas. People should not have to travel long distances to have their waste recycled". Councillor de Burca has also welcomed the new Environmental Education Centre that has been established by Wicklow County Council at the Murrough Industrial Estate, Wicklow Town. "This centre plans to organise activities and events that will raise the levels of environmental awareness amongst members of the public" she says. "People can ring in to the centre's dedicated telephone number (1890 22 22 76) and receive advice and assistance form the council's two Environmental Awareness Officers. This is a very positive initiative and should be successful in changing attitudes and behaviour with regard to the environment". For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |