Environmental project Pure (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments) collected over 120t of illegally dumped waste from more than 830 sites in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands last year.
However, this is down by 72% compared to project’s busiest year in 2008 when the team removed 440t of rubbish dumped in the remote region.
Pure is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland incorporating statutory and non-statutory organisations and stakeholders.
The project has recorded and mapped every location and incident of illegal dumping in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands since it was established in 2006.
Through educational and awareness campaigns, Pure has seen an annual reduction in illegal dumping activity for the past seven years.
Waste
The Pure truck, which is on the road every day, has collected almost 4,000t of rubbish from over 14,800 illegal dumping sites in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
If you were to put all the rubbish that Pure has removed from the uplands into standard household rubbish bags, they would fill over 790,000 bags.
When lined up, the bags would stretch all the way from Dublin Airport to Mizen Head in Co. Cork, and back again.
Nearly 16,000 reports and complaints have been made by the public to the project team over that timeframe.
Ian Davis, Pure manager, said that the partnership has proven extremely successful in combating the illegal dumping of waste in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
“This reduction in dumping is a direct correlation with the increase of Pure Mile areas. The Pure Mile makes a huge difference to the environment, especially in areas that are affected by littering and illegal dumping.
“Pure Mile volunteers have totally transformed the upland regions and because of their dedication, determination, and enthusiasm, they have not only reduced illegal dumping, but in some areas, eliminated the problem.
“A huge amount of progress has been made since Pure was established, however, there is absolutely no room for complacency, and it is vital that we continue to monitor the situation, or we will see a return to the old days, and dumping will increase,” he said.
Minister of State at the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Ossian Smyth praised the dedication of those involved in the partnership.
“I think all of us who get to enjoy the Wicklow/Dublin uplands every year owe a debt of gratitude to all the local volunteers, both young and not so young, who take part in Pure Project and the Pure Mile for their continuing efforts to fight the scourge of illegal dumping in their local areas.
“I am delighted to confirm that my department have recently committed to funding this important work for another three-year period until 2026,” he said.