Wicklow People 16-November-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:33:01 +0000

The Wickow People reports on PURE Wicked Animations going live.

Wicklow People 16-November-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:31:14 +0000

Wicklow People reports on Newcastle PURE Mile celebrating their recent Best Built Heritage Award in the PURE Mile Competition.

Wicklow Times 15-November-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:40:06 +0000

Wicklow Times reports on extension of the PURE Mile Competition.

Wicklow Times 8-November-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:19:22 +0000

Wickow Times reports on PURE WICKED Short Animations go Live

The Wicklow People 12-October-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:09:35 +0000

The Wicklow People reports on the PURE MILE Awards Night.

Wicklow Times 11-October-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:13:03 +0000

PURE Project included in Wicklow Times article, War on Waste.

The Wicklow Times 20-September-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:05:15 +0000

The Wicklow Times reports on The PURE MILE Awards Night.

The PURE Mile, an environmental competition which aims to foster a greater appreciation and awareness of the country roadscapes of County Wicklow by rewarding and acknowledging local community efforts, had its awards night in Brooklodge Hotel in Aughrim Co. Wicklow last night (Wednesday 14^th September 2011).

The Wicklow People 15-June-2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:01 +0000

Wicklow People reports on PURE WICKED environmental animation training programme.

The Wicklow People 15-June-2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:28:08 +0000

Campers leave beauty spot like rubbish dump Glenmalure valley turned into an eyesore; Emma Stafford reports that Selfish campers are destroying a beauty spot in Glenmalure by leaving behind a litany of materials when they go home. Commenting on this PURE sate the area has been cleaned considerably and that a team is sent out on a regular basis to clear away any rubbish left lying around. PURE also state the issue is not with people dumping but with campers who abandon their tents and equipment when they leave.

The Dublin Review:Number Forty-Two - Spring 2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:06:52 +0000

The Poolbeg Prophecy: Greg Baxter introduces his article on Irelands waste with a snap shot on the work of PURE.

Wicklow People 20-April-2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:04:41 +0000

Teen Film Programme; THE Wicked festival for young film makers takes a new direction this year with the PURE (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) Project. Participants will develop and create animations which concentrate on environmental themes. They will also learn to write, produce, direct, shoot and edit your own short animations under the guidance of experienced and professional animators and tutors.

Wicklow People 20-April-2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:38:49 +0000

Maximum Litter Fine; Judge Fines Man €3,000 for Dumping Domestic Waste; An Aughrim man was fined the maximum fine of €3,000 in absentia at last week’s sitting of Arklow District Court. The Wicklow People ‘Names and Shames’ an individual prosecuted for illegal dumping in the Wicklow Uplands.

Irish Mountain Log – Spring 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:36:38 +0000

The PURE Project Removes 1,500 tonnes of Rubbish; The Irish Mountain Log, the magazine for walkers and climbers in Ireland, publishes a full page article on the PURE project, outlining the work to-date.

Wicklow Times 19-April-2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:29:57 +0000

Maximum Fine Imposed for Dumping in Wicklow Uplands; Illegal dumpers in Wicklow have been issued a stern warning this week with the news that a maximum fine of €3,000 was handed down to a man who was found guilty of dumping in Aughavannagh.

Irish Independent 14-April-2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:08:33 +0000

Fine a Warning to Downturn Dumpers; Waste watchdogs hope a steep €3,000 fine handed down in court yesterday will deter litter louts from tarnishing the countryside. The Irish Independent reports on a court case which saw an illegal dumper receive a large fine for dumping waste in the Wicklow Mountains. A large photo of dumping in the uplands accompanied the article.

Wicklow Times 8-March-2011

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:58:39 +0000

Wicklow Times provides an update on the PURE Project during the annual celebrations of National Tree Week. This year the theme was ‘The Year of the Forest - Celebrating Forests for People.’ PURE remove a considerable amount of dumping from forest areas and Coillte are one of the main organisations involved in the project.

PRESS RELEASE – PURE PROJECT – February 2011

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:49:04 +0000

The PURE project is a partnership project and the first of its kind in Ireland that incorporates statutory and non-statutory organisations, including; Wicklow County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Fáilte Ireland, and the Wicklow Uplands Council and was established to combat illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. Since the establishment of the PURE project, the lo-call-phone-line 1850 365 121, and the PURE office, have received over 3,700 reports of illegal dumping resulting in over 3,600 collections and the removal of approximately 1,500 tonnes of rubbish from the landscape.This amounts to over 1,500,000kg of rubbish. If you were to put all of this rubbish into standard household rubbish bags you would fill over 214,000 bags. It is difficult to comprehend the amount of rubbish that the project has actually removed from the uplands. However, imagine the public’s reaction if over 214,000 bags of rubbish were dumped in the Wicklow/Dublin Mountains in just one day. If you lined up each of the bags that the PURE project has removed from the uplands they would stretch over 214 kilometres in length, which is longer than a journey from Glendalough to Ballinasloe in Galway.Due to the current economic downturn PURE has seen an increase in small scale illegal dumping, in particular domestic rubbish bags. However, it would appear that the historic dumping sites of a larger size have been removed from the county.A continuing problem for the project is householders and businesses handing over their waste to illegal waste collectors. Recently the project appeared on the RTE programme ‘Ear to the Ground’ appealing to the general public to check that waste collectors have a waste collection permit before handing over their rubbish. In 2010 a number of people were convicted and fined for handing over their waste to unauthorised waste collectors. A court case in October 2010 saw the conviction of a ‘Bogus Waste Collector’ who collected waste from a Business in Arklow and then dumped it just outside Arklow Town at the viewing point in Kilcara.

Last year the project launched an environmental initiative entitled ‘The PURE Mile’. The PURE Mile aims to foster a greater appreciation and awareness of our country roadscapes by rewarding and acknowledging local community efforts who adopt a mile of road in their area. The competition was a great success and over 17 communities are now involved in the 2010 / 2011 PURE Mile. PURE also launched and distributed the 2011 PURE Mile Calendar. The calendar depicts all of the areas who participated in the 2009 / 2010 PURE Mile competition.

Wicklow People 22-December-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:48:23 +0000

Mountains of rubbish taken from Uplands: Since the establishment of the PURE project, the lo-call-phone-line 1850 365 121, and the PURE office, have received over 3,600 reports of illegal dumping resulting in over 3,500 collections and the removal of approximately 1,500 tonnes of rubbish from the landscape.

Southside People 22-December-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:47:16 +0000

Unique project tackles flytipping: The Southside People news paper reports on the end of year statistics from the PURE Project.

Irish Independent 6-December-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:46:42 +0000

Unique project tackles flytipping: The Southside People news paper reports on the end of year statistics from the PURE Project.

Wicklow Times 26-October-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:46:15 +0000

The PURE Mile competition deadline has now been extended to 12^th November and there is €2,000 worth of prize money to be won and all entries will feature in the PURE Mile Calendar. The 2011 PURE Mile calendar features all of last years entries and will be officially launched later this month.

Wicklow People 25-August-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:45:27 +0000

In response to an article that appeared in the Wicklow People on 18-August-2010 commenting on the problem of illegal dumping in Wicklow, PURE issue a press release stating that, ‘locals vigilant in ongoing crusade against dumping: The Wicklow People reports that, ONE of the main reasons Wicklow received the second highest amount of calls in the country relating to litter and illegal dumping complaints is because the local-phone-line has been so well publicised, and ‘that’s the primary reason why Wicklow is the second highest in Ireland’. The article continues to state that the project is ‘...constantly promoting this number through a number of different methods…and that the number of calls received by the lo-call phone line does not reflect the amount of dumping in the county, nor is it suggesting that Wicklow is affected by illegal dumping more than any other county. It’s an indication that the people of Wicklow are now fully aware of the PURE project and that they are confident that any dumping incidents reported to the lo-call number will be dealt with quickly by the project and removed from the landscape.’

Wicklow People 18-August-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:43:37 +0000

Wicklow second highest for litter complaint calls: ONLY THE levels of complaints and reports of illegal dumping in County Dublin surpasses that of the Garden County. Article reports that the Wicklow Uplands is severely affected by illegal dumping.

Wicklow People 28-July-2010

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:40:10 +0000

The Best Pure Mile in Ireland: Wicklow People reports on recent success of Ballinglen winning overall award in the PURE Mile competition.

Wicklow Times 6-July-2010

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:25:18 +0000

The PURE Mile Awards: Wicklow Times reports on The PURE Mile awards night held in Brooklodge Hotel.

Wicklow People 30-June-2010

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:18:09 +0000

REWARDS FOR GROUPS THAT WENT THE EXTRA PURE MILE: Efforts by local communities to make Wicklow even more beautiful were rewarded last Thursday night in the Brooklodge Hotel. The awards for the PURE Mile Project was well attended and the environmental initiative aims to foster a greater appreciation and awareness of country roadscapes.

All participants received a PURE Mile certificate and a native oak tree. There were five awards on the night and cash prizes totalling €2,000 were presented by the new Cathaoirleach Tom Fortune. Awards went to;

Avondale Community College for Best Heritage/Education Award

The Vartry Pure Mile in Roundwood for the Best Natural Heritage Award

The Lacey Brothers Pure Mile in Ballinglen for the Best Community Effort Award

The Vartry Pure Mile in Roundwood for Best Litter Free Award

The overall award for the Best Pure Mile went to The Lacey Brothers Pure Mile of Ballinglen

Commenting on the night Cathaoirleach Tom Fortune said,

‘I believe that the work done by the five groups provides a solid foundation to build the PURE Mile as an annual award. Already we can see that the groups involved have achieved impressive results. The PURE Mile covered a diversity of themes including litter management, community engagement, biodiversity and the built heritage. County Wicklow has many big ticket tourist attractions such as Glendalough, Brittas Bay and Avondale. However, it is the overall fabric of our rural landscape which makes the county such a special place for both visitors and inhabitants.’

The Star 4- April- 2010

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:45:04 +0000

YOU WASTERS: The Star Newspaper leads their story on illegal dumping with a PURE Project picture if illegal dumping in the Sally Gap area. The paper states that, ‘Environmental campaigners fear the dumping will ruin Irelands reputation as a clean and green tourist destination’.

Wicklow Times 16-March-2010

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:39:56 +0000

Wicklow Times provides a full background history and recent statistics of the PURE project – commenting on the project the manager of PURE states that over 165,000 bags of rubbish have been removed from the upland areas.

Wicklow People 10-March-2010

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:34:21 +0000

The Wicklow People publishes a full page article on the Pure Project and its continual battle against illegal dumping in the Wicklow upland areas

Wicklow Times 2-March-2010

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:55:47 +0000

IT’S A DISGRACE: Residents and locals are outraged at the amount of dumping in the scenic Vale of Avoca.

Wicklow People 16-December-2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:30:49 +0000

PURE appeal for dumpers to stop – organisation say Christmas clean-outs ending up in mountains. PURE appeal to the public ‘not to use the Christmas period as a season to dump rubbish’. Post Christmas is a busy time for PURE and ‘unfortunately, some people consider the Christmas period a clean-out time and they seem to think nothing of dumping their unwanted goods in the mountains.’

Wicklow People 02-September-2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:27:44 +0000

EXTRA MILE WANT TO ADOPT A PIECE OF ROAD. Regional papers report on the public’s interest in the new PURE initiative, The PURE Mile.

Wicklow Times 1-September-2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:24:29 +0000

The PURE Mile of Wicklow. The Wicklow Times reports on the launch of the new environmental project initiated by the PURE project entitled, ‘The PURE Mile’. This new initiative encourages communities to adopt a mile of road in their area

Wicklow News 21-July-2009

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:37:23 +0000

Concerned raised over illegal dumping. The Wicklow News provides information on an incident of illegal dumping that was sent into the paper by ‘a concerned reader’.

Life Times 6-May-2009

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:19:13 +0000

Young filmmakers debut work in local cinemas; Seven young filmmakers from Loughlinstown’s Laurence’s Secondary School saw their work debut on the silver screen in May and June thanks to an innovative partnership which also involved in the PURE Project. The students of the school starred in, filmed, and edited an advertisement for cinemas which alerts the public to bogus, illegal waste collectors.

Irish Mountain Log-Spring 2009

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:14:17 +0000

‘Fly-tipping tackled – 800 tonnes removed’. The Irish Mountain Log describe how illegal dumping affects the upland areas and how walkers can assist.

Wicklow People 11-February-2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:34:57 +0000

‘PURE gets cash to continue battle with illegal dumpers – HUGE INCREASE IN FLY TIPPING OVER CHRISTMAS PERIOD’. Wicklow People reports on Government funding of PURE for a further three years and the amount of illegal dumping that occurred in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands over the Christmas period. ‘The PURE hotline was flooded with calls about illegal dumping taking place at regional bottle backs, particularly at Newtownmountkennedy, Dunlavin and Tinahely.’

Wicklow News 3-February-2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:35:49 +0000

“Appalling”. More than 1.5 tonnes of dumped mattresses, furniture and other household rubbish was removed from the Newtown bottle bank area over the Christmas. Environmental protection body PURE and the Wicklow County Council were inundated with calls over the Christmas break in relation to illegally dumped rubbish at regional bottle banks, with Newtown site among the worst affected.

Wicklow Times 3-February-2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:37:31 +0000

‘PURE busy removing post Christmas dumping’. The post Christmas period was very busy for both PURE and Wicklow County Council. The PURE truck was also extremely busy after the Christmas break with close to 70 collections in the first week with approximately 20 tonnes of illegal dumping removed from the Wicklow Upland Mountains.

PURE Press Release January 2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:38:03 +0000

The after Christmas period was a very busy period for both PURE and Wicklow County Council. Wicklow County Council was inundated by calls/reports in relation to illegal dumping at the regional bottles banks. Worse affected were areas in Dunlavin, Newtown and Tinahely. In the past these amenity sites have been affected by people leaving bags of domestic rubbish, but over the Christmas period people dumped mattresses, furniture and other household rubbish. Over 1.5 tonnes of dumping was removed from the Newtown amenity site and local residents and visitors to the area were appalled by the scale of dumping that occurred.

The PURE truck was also extremely busy after the Christmas break with close to 70 collections in the first week with approximately 20 tonnes of illegal dumping removed from the Wicklow Upland/Mountains. Ian Davis Project Manager of PURE stated that,

‘We were getting a lot of calls just before Christmas and they continued throughout the holidays. Some people use this period as a clean-out time and they seem to thing nothing of dumping their unwanted goods in the mountains.’

It was recently announced that PURE would receive funding for a further three year period from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. Although Minister Gormley acknowledged that the partnership project was a success, he also stressed that, ‘while progress has clearly been made, there is no room for complacency’.

The PURE Project also recently announced that Fáilte Ireland had recently joined as stakeholders in the project.

In relation to both announcements Ian Davis added, ‘the Minister’s commitment in continuing the funding for PURE is an acknowledgement that the project works and insures that we can continue for a further three years. The recent inclusion of Fáilte Ireland to the project demonstrates the benefits PURE brings to both the people who live and recreate in the upland areas and to the many thousands of tourist who visit the region each year.’ PURE continue to urge the public to report dumpers and dumping to lo-call 1850 365 121

Wicklow Times 16-December-2008

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:17:59 +0000

‘PURE to receive funding until 2011’. Wicklow Times reports that the PURE Project is to receive funding for the next three years. Minister Gormley announced the extension of the PURE project from 2009 to 2011, stating that, ‘The partnership approach adopted by the PURE Project, to the problem of illegal dumping and fly-tippng in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands has succeeded in greatly reducing incidences of illegal dumping in the region over the last three years’. He added that, ‘while progress has clearly been made, there is no room for complacency.’ Ian Davis, PURE Project Manager said ‘the funding was the Ministers response to the fact that the project was working. Because PURE is a partnership we can identify problems with a speed that perhaps other local authorities cannot....the funding is an acknowledgement that the project is a success.'

The Decision to extend the project was taken following a full evaluation of the performance of the project. This evaluation revealed that PURE has been highly effective from an operations perspective.

Wicklow People 10-December-2008

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:48:35 +0000

‘PURE Project gets €300,000 to tackle waste’. Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D. announced during the week that the project established in 2006 to battle the problem of fly-tipping and illegal dumping in the Wicklow Mountains would receive €100,000 each year over a three year period. Minister Gormley said, ‘PURE has proved a worthwhile project as was evident from their results so far.’

Wicklow News 9-December-08

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:40:13 +0000

‘Roche welcomes PURE funding’. Wicklow T.D., Dick Roche, Minister for European Affairs has welcomed the continued commitment to Wicklow’s PURE Project with the allocation of €100,000 per annum of each of the next three years. The project, Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments with established with the Minister’s support in 2006 when he was minister in the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. The minister commented in the article that he ‘…is delighted that the review of operations of the past three years has shown just how much a project like PURE can achieve and that it has potential to develop.’ The commitment from government to continue to the fund the project is welcome and will insure PURE’s continued success.’

Tallaght Echo 26-November-08

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:13:32 +0000

‘800 tonnes of rubbish – Environmental group overwhelmed by amount’. The Tallaght Echo reports on the quantities of rubbish removed from the uplands since 2007 stressing that ‘…it’s vital that people realise how serious the problem has become.’

Southside People 19-November-08

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:08:14 +0000

‘Hundreds of tonnes of rubbish dumped in the mountains.’ The Southside People provide end of year statistics for the PURE Project and comment on the numerous of initiatives established by the project to date.

Irish Times 11-November-08

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:38:43 +0000

‘Rise in illegal dumping in Dublin mountains’.

Irish Times and other newspapers have provided updates on PURE in recent weeks all commenting on the amount of illegal dumping removed from the upland region. ‘The amount of rubbish removed equates to 114,000 standard black rubbish bags…’

The article mentions the numerous reports PURE have received from the public, the amount of collections and the use of GPS/GIS recording methods to create a data-base of illegal dumping incidents.

Wicklow People 12-November-2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:27:03 +0000

‘800 tonnes of rubbish taken off the Wicklow/Dublin hills’.

‘IF YOU lined up all the bags of rubbish that have been removed from the Wicklow/Dunlin Uplands since 2007 they would stretch from Glendalough to Wexford.’ The Wicklow People comment on a recent update from the PURE project and provide interesting statistics about the project.

Wicklow Times 11-November-2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:12:14 +0000

‘800 tonnes of rubbish collected from uplands’.

‘PURE (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments), an environmental project which was established to tackle the increase of fly-tipping/illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands, has removed approximately 800 tonnes of rubbish from the environment since 2007.’

Wicklow News 11-November-2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:00:22 +0000

‘Mountain dumping condemned’.

Wicklow News reports on recent collection statistics from PURE commenting that, ‘The amount of rubbish collected in the Wicklow Mountains since last year could line the route from Glendalough to Wexford, an environmental group has claimed’.

PURE Press Release November 2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:47:16 +0000

An environmental project which was established to tackle the increase of fly-tipping/illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands, PURE (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments), has removed approximately 800 tonnes of rubbish from the environment since 2007. This amounts to 800,000kg of rubbish, which is the equivalent of over 114,000 standard black rubbish bags. The project manager, Ian Davis remarked;

‘Imagine the public’s reaction if over 114,000 bags of rubbish were dumped in the Wicklow Mountains in just one day. If you lined up each of the bags that we have colleted they would stretch over 114 kilometres in length, the same as a journey from Glendalough to Wexford.’

On a monthly basis PURE are collecting over 30 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from one of the most spectacular areas in Ireland, with over 1,500 collections since the project was launched. The project office and the lo-call-phone-line 1850 365 121, have received over 1,700 reports of illegal dumping. Some people claim that by collecting this rubbish PURE are just cleaning up after those who are responsible, but Ian Davis commented;

‘Evidence shows that if illegally dumped rubbish is left on the landscape it only attracts further dumping. We insure a quick response to incidents of dumping and remove all of the material. We are the first project of its kind in Ireland where all sites affected by dumping are recorded by GPS/GIS, and we are collecting important data on what type of material is being dumped, who is responsible for this dumping, and which areas are being severely affected.’

Since the beginning of the project, PURE has initiated a number of projects to combat the growing problem of illegal dumping, including a public awareness campaign, a website – www.pureproject.ie, and a primary schools education pack, which was distributed to all schools in the Wicklow, South Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire areas. Recently the project embarked on a regional advertisement campaign to alert people to both, unauthorised waste collectors, and the affects illegal dumping has on our environment.

The project has completed their future plan and objectives for the next three years and is planning on a secondary schools programme to engage teenagers in environmental issues. PURE is also planning on launching a rural environmental project to encourage rural areas to enhance their locality entitled, ‘The Pure Mile’.

‘The Pure Mile is the rural equivalent to the ‘Tidy Towns’ where it simply encourages areas to enhance their immediate environment including their natural and built heritage and the general appearance of where they live. People focus on a mile of road and with community effort work to enhance their own areas. It has been extremely successful in other counties in Ireland and we are confident that the people of Wicklow will take part.’ If people want to report illegal dumping/fly-tipping they can lo-call 1850 365 121.

Wicklow People 28-May-2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:30:50 +0000

‘Dumping discovered at historic graveyard’.

Family members of graves in the cemetery of Rosahane are reported to have been disgusted when they heard about the recent dumping at the graveyard. It is believed that unauthorised waste collectors may be ‘…behind the illegal dumping of two tonnes of household waste at a scenic graveyard near Aughrim’. Again the public are reminded of their obligations to check for waste permits from waste collectors, ‘…if they are approached by a waste collector who offers to take rubbish away for a cheap prize there is a good chance it will be illegally dumped.’ It also reminds householders that they too may face prosecution if they handed over the waste.

The clean-up of Rosahane Cemetery was organised by PURE and Wicklow County Council. Pictures of Rosahane with the dumping present and after the clean-up can be viewed in the Photo Gallery of the website – Pictures are entitled; ‘Rosahane Cemetery’ and ‘Rosahane Cemetery – Clean-Up’

Wicklow Times 28-May-2008

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:41:12 +0000

‘More dumping in Wicklow Uplands’.

Dumping discovered in the scenic graveyard of Rosahane attracts attention of regional media. Similar to previous articles the coverage asks the public to be aware of unauthorised waste collectors operating in the region. Linda McDonald, Acting Administrative Officer of Wicklow County Council Waste Management stated that the council had ‘…retrieved seven pieces of evidence and will be prosecuting the guilty parties under the Waste Management Act.’

Wicklow News 27-May-2008

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:37:31 +0000

‘Illegal dumping in Aughrim’.

Rogue waste collectors are presumed responsible for recent dumping at the tranquil site of Rosahane graveyard close to Aughrim village. ‘About two tonnes of illegally dumped waste was found in the parking lot at the 18^th Century graveyard.’ As with all interviews and press articles the PURE project urge ‘…local residents to ensure anyone taking waste away produces the relevant documentation to help prevent incidents of illegal dumping.’ The article ends with a message on waste permits, ‘if they don’t have one, don’t use them.’

Wicklow People 21-May-2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:43:12 +0000

‘St Saviours’ students learn from dumping study’.

Article reports on a project by St. Saviour’s school and their ‘…extensive study on dumping habits, while asking members of the public for their opinion.'

The PURE project had previously visited the school after they received their Primary School Teachers’ Pack and provided a power point presentation to the students. Any other schools who are interested in such a presentation should contact the PURE project on 0404 45547 or email PURE at info@pureproject.ie

Wicklow People 14-May-2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:36:37 +0000

‘Illegal dumping at Glendalough scenic areas of to be investigated’.

Wicklow People report that PURE are ‘…following two definite lines of inquires’ in relation to the illegal dumping incidents in the Sally Gap. ‘Both sites were also based near busy tourist routes and would have been visible to tourists to the area enjoying the recent hot spell of weather.’ The article also comments on the swift removal of dumping from the landscape, and that the PURE project recognise ‘…the busy tourism season is about to kick in’.

Wicklow Times 14-May-2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:10:20 +0000

‘Anger as more illegal dumps uncovered’.

The Wicklow Times headline captures the feelings on news of a recent dumping at a scenic location in county Wicklow. The people responsible for the illegal dumping ‘…had to drive their truck into a barrier and smash it down before driving into the woodlands to dump the waste. They are spoiling the area for tourists and locals alike.’ Commenting on the incident Senator Deirdre De Burca stated that, ‘It is horrific to think that people still think they can get away with this.’ She also reinforced the PURE message in relation to unauthorised waste collectors, ‘People have to be vigilant about who they give their waste to and that the companies are disposing of it legally.’ The article also provides a quote from the former Minister of Environment Mr. Dick Roche. ‘I hope that they have the full weight of law thrown at them…the fact that electrical goods were dumped is just outrageous, especially now that you can dispose of electrical goods for free.'

The subsequent clean-up of the site by the PURE project amounted to over 9 tonnes of illegal dumping being removed from the landscape.

Irish Times 8-May-2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 10:43:50 +0000

‘Illegal dumps found near Sally Gap in Wicklow’.

Tim O’ Brien writes about two incidents of illegal dumping located in the scenic area of the Sally Gap. The article states that ‘…about five tonnes of general domestic waste including electrical equipment and household rubble was discovered…’ After we (PURE), organised the collection of the material refered to in the report, the amount removed was over 9 tonnes. The article warns householders and businesses to ‘…check the waste license or permits of those who hire contractors to remove waste.’

Newstalk Radio 22nd April 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:34:09 +0000

Declan Carty ‘Late Night Live’ programme discusses illegal dumping with PURE Project Manager, Ian Davis. The programme highlighted; what actions can be taken to stop illegal dumping, are the fines and prosecutions associated with the crime strong enough, upland areas affected by illegal dumping, the PURE 1850 365 121 lo-call-phone-number and the amount of illegal dumping collected by PURE. The programme also urged the public to contact the lo-call-number if they witnessed someone dumping, or, if they came across incidents of illegal dumping.

Irish Independent 21st April 2008

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:43:45 +0000

‘Extension for hotline as rogue dumpers caught red-handed’.

The Irish Independent reports on the extension of the lo-call-phone-line, 1850 365 121, confirming that the EPA will be extending the number for another year. The PURE project ‘which works to halt illegal dumping in the Wicklow and Dublin upland regions, said the hotline had received about 330 reports last year for that region alone’. The article goes on to say that illegal dumping usually takes place in isolated areas such as country lanes and in ‘…often the most scenic of the upland areas’.

Wicklow News 1st April 2008

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:02:06 +0000

‘Disgraceful Holiday Dumping’

The Wicklow News reports that ‘more than 15 tonnes of construction and household waste has been removed from an illegal dump site in West Wicklow.’ The dumping sites were located between Aghavannagh and Rathdangan with local residents assisting the PURE project in identifying locations affected by fly-tippers. The article also comments on the amount of waste collecting by PURE, stating that between January 3^rdand March 14^th over 95 tonnes of waste has been collected from the Wicklow area.

Press Release Febuary 2008: Update on PURE Project

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:58:04 +0000

2007 was a very busy year for PURE (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments), with approximately 400 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish removed from the landscape. The project, which was only launched in September 2006, is a regional initiative incorporating four local authorities including; Wicklow County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council, as well as Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, ESB, and a number of non-statutory organisations represented by the Wicklow Uplands Council, to halt incidents of small scale illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin upland regions. Throughout the 2007 year the PURE office received a steady flow of illegal dumping complaints with over 800 phone calls, varying from a black bag on the side of a road, to a truck load of illegally dumped material by a mountain stream. In the same year the PURE truck made over 700 individual collections with over 500 illegally disposed electrical items ranging from fridges; washing machines, cookers etc. removed from the Wicklow/Dublin uplands. This continual dumping of electrical items in our county’s environment is a blatant act of disrespect for uplands region as all electrical equipment can now be disposed of free of charge at any recycling centre, or, if you buy a new electrical item the retailer has to take back your old one. Recently the PURE project removed over 15 tonnes of illegally dumped material from the Kilcara area, close to the Vale of Avoca in Arklow. This dumping was the result of both householders and unauthorised waste collectors using the scenic location as dumping site over a long period of time. PURE have just launched a new website, www.pureproject.ie and a primary schools education pack. The PURE Primary Schools Teachers’ Pack is designed to provide primary school teachers with information and work sheets on environmental education. The education programme was designed for all classes in primary schools and all of the modules can be printed, photocopied and distributed to students. The information and exercises are fun and interesting ways for children to learn about their natural environment, with stories, games, activities, word games, quizzes, simple class room experiments, and much more. The pack was designed to accompany the current primary school curriculum and has been distributed to all schools in Wicklow, South Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown regions. All of the educational material is available for download on the PURE web. The web site also includes a resource section for teachers who would like to expand on certain topics. Any other organisations who are interested in the education pack should log on to www.pureproject.ie and contact the project office. PURE continue to urge people to contact their lo-call-phone-line, 1850-365-121, and report incidents of dumping and those responsible.

Wicklow Times 27th February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:02:36 +0000

'PURE Project Launches New Website'

The Wicklow Times report on the launch of the PURE website and education pack, while providing readers with a descriptive account on the projects activities during 2007.

Wicklow People 26th February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:05:39 +0000

'Dumping Still a Major Problem'

Wicklow People provide an update on the PURE projects activities for 2007 commenting that ‘last years 700 collections included over 500 illegally disposed electrical times ranging from fridges, washing machines to cookers taken off the Wicklow uplands’. The article also reports on the recently launched PURE education pack and new website, www.pureproject.ie

Wicklow News 26th February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:53:38 +0000

'Caught in the Act'

Wicklow paper reports that ‘CCTV footage from secret locations across Wicklow is being used to identify and publicly shame illegal dumpers in a bid to halt the practise.’ The article further describes how the footage will be ‘…handed over to the media following successful prosecutions in a bid to shame dumpers into stopping their activities.’

East Coast Radio 21st February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:02:41 +0000

Ian Davis, PURE Project Manager, provides listeners’ of East Coast Radio with an update on the project and urges the public to contact the lo-call-phone-number – 1850 365 121 – and report dumping and dumpers.

Tallaght Voice 19th February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:00:51 +0000

'PURE Site Encourages Residents to Clean-up'

The Tallaght Voice reports on the launch of pure website, www.pureproject.ie and education pack commenting that ‘Tallaght residents can now to online and email pictures they have taken of illegal dumping in their area to a local environmental group.’

Wicklow News 5th February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:56:01 +0000

'Dumpers Targer Beauty Spot'

Wicklow News reports on ’16 tonnes of waste being removed from one of the most scenic tourist areas of the county this week. The Meetings of the Waters has been targeted by rouge dumpers and householders and a huge amount of rubbish has marred the countryside’. The article provides a descriptive account of the dumped articles and a background to the PURE project.

National Newspapers Report on PURE Covert CCTV: January/February 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:01:26 +0000

Irish Times 31st January 2008

‘Hidden Cameras Help Fight Illegal Dumping'

Irish Times article on the installation of CCTV cameras at ‘beauty spots in rural areas of Wicklow and South Dublin in a bid to counter illegal dumping of household waste’.

The Sun 1st February 2008

‘CCTV to Catch out Dumpers’

Article warns dumpers that covert cameras have been installed in upland areas and that the ‘camera sites will remain secret and they may be relocated depending on the amount of household waste being dumped’.

The Evening Hearld February 2008

‘Litter Louts to be Names’

Report describes the PURE projects objective of ‘naming and shaming’ offenders caught illegal dumping.

Irish Times 20th February 2008

‘Illegal Dumpers Caught on CCTV to be named’

Irish Times describes how PURE ‘want to publicly expose people who dump because there is no excuse for illegal dumping anymore’. Ian Davis of PURE further stated that ‘the idea behind naming and shaming is to deter people from dumping by embarrassing them. They will be more hesitant to do so if they find there names in the papers or on television’. The article also refers to the launch of the PURE Primary Schools Teachers’ Pack.

Wicklow People 30th January 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:08:05 +0000

'Householders Could Face Litter Summons'

Householders are warned of bogus waste collectors operating in the county of Wicklow. Residents should check that all waste collectors have a valid Waste Permit.

Wicklow News 29thJanuary 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:18:43 +0000

'Clean-up Clears 10 Tonnes of Illegally Dumped Waste

Wicklow News reports on the massive clean-up operation at Kilcara Arklow and the removal of significant amounts of waste.

Ecoeye 23-January-2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:20:28 +0000

PURE appear on RTE programme ‘Eco-eye’. Duncan Stewart and Ian Davis of PURE discuss the recent introduction of ‘End of Live Vehicles’ directive, and how it will reduce the number of cars being disposed of the upland areas.

Wicklow People 2nd January 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:21:43 +0000

'Education Pack on the Wicklow Uplands Launched'

Wicklow People reports on the launch of PURE Primary Schools Teachers’ Pack.

Press Release December 2008: PURE Primary Schools Teachers’ Pack

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:48 +0000

A new education pack for teachers in primary schools on the theme of dumping in the upland was launched on Thursday the 20^th of December. The education pack has been designed by the PURE project. The pack provides resources for teachers to explore the theme of dumping and fly tipping in our uplands. The pack contains activities and work sheets for all age groups. The impact of dumping on our landscape is a central theme. Native wildlife feature strongly in the pack. The students are reminded that the uplands is their home too and that dumping can have an impact on their habitat.

Wicklow News 27th November 2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:23:50 +0000

‘PURE Genius Lifts Tonnes of Rubbish’.

New Wicklow regional paper provides an update on the PURE project.

Wicklow People 21st November 2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:26:02 +0000

John Paul Hurley of Brittas Bay National School wins the PURE anti-dumping poster competition. The school was presented with a € 1,000 cheque.

Wicklow Times 12-September-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:26:42 +0000

'PURE Warns Illegal Dumpers There is no Where to Hide'

Headline warns illegal dumpers that CCTV equipment has been deployed to detect dumpers in uplands.

Wicklow People 30-August-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:27:13 +0000

'Hundered of Tonnes of Waste Removed From the Mountains'

An ‘In Focus’ Article in the Wicklow People highlights the PURE project achievements as it nears its first anniversary.

Tallaght News 27-August-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:28:26 +0000

'Disgust at the Amount and Frequency of Illegal Dumping'

Tallaght News article describes how people are affected by dumping in the South Dublin area. Over the years many communities and individuals who live in the Dublin Mountains have been disgusted at the amount and frequency of illegal dumping/fly-tipping activity that has occurred and continues to occur. One of our most splendid aesthetic areas in Ireland is being tarnished by mindless, indiscriminate dumpers, who are a minority within our society, and people are no longer going to stand for it. What must the many people who visit this beautiful area think when they witness this blatant disrespect for our natural environment. What must they think when they encounter scorched areas of ground where dumpers have set fire to a mountain of waste in the night. It has become difficult to travel the network of upland roads without witnessing incidents where some act of indiscriminate dumping infringes on the landscape. Piles of domestic rubbish dumped in lay-bys, mattresses, bed frames, wardrobes, bedside lockers, lamps, carpets, fridges, toilets, sinks, the entire contents of a recently refurbished house, have unfortunately become an all too frequent sight. Many of the upland pull-ins, the majority of which are also viewing points, are now used as dumping grounds. Remote and secluded, and invariably located in the most scenic areas, they are fast becoming habitual dumping locations. PURE is a direct response to these activities and the first project of its kind in Ireland, where it brings together a number of statuary and non-statutory organisations, and is operating as a three year pilot project.

PURE Press Release August 2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:29:27 +0000

The PURE (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments) truck is now a regular sight in the Wicklow Mountains as it traverses the countryside responding to incidents of fly-tipping/illegal dumping. The environmental project was officially launched in September 2006 to combat the increase of small scale illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands and since its establishment has been extremely busy. It’s the first project of its kind in Ireland, where it brings together a number of statuary and non-statutory organisations, and is operating as a three year pilot project. Demonstration of the projects success is evident when you consider that from January to August 2007 PURE collected over 245 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from the environment. This excludes material removed from the Hollywood Glen, which was over 20 tonne. Due to the extent of illegal dumping that had occurred on the site a private contractor had to be brought in to remove the rubbish, which ranged from domestic waste to animal carcasses. Statistics, figures and tonnages can be sometimes baffling and difficult to comprehend. To fully understand the amount of material which has been dumped and collected from our upland landscape, imagine if you filled over 240 standard household skips, then drove up into the mountains, and emptied them one by one on the landscape. The PURE office is now fully operational and since January this year has received a steady flow of illegal dumping complaints with over 600 phone calls varying from a black bag on the side of a road, to a truck load of illegally dumped material by a mountain stream. A single act of indiscriminate illegal dumping that occurred last week resulted in the PURE truck removing over 4 tonnes of material from one of the most scenic areas in Ireland, the Sally Gap. This is just one of many of the trucks 500 collections this year. Although recent national figures for our recycling trends demonstrated an increase, some of the items being illegal dumped are unbelievable. Ian Davis, PURE project manager stated that,

‘In one incident of dumping in the Sally Gap, eleven items, ranging from fridges, washing machines, cookers, etc., had been dumped by the road side. This was a blatant act of disrespect for the Wicklow landscape.

All electrical equipment can now be disposed of free of charge at any of the five regional recycling centres. There is no need for this dumping.’ The dumping of fridges, TV’s, cookers, etc., is still a regular occurrence and the project has removed over 350 illegally dumped electrical items from the landscape. PURE collaborate with Wicklow County Council in relation to the investigation of illegal dumping sites and are determined to bring offenders before the courts. People will be happy to learn that a considerable number of the 2007 reported incidents of illegal dumping will result in court appearance next year. Already this year Wicklow County Council secured 18 convictions with fines amounting to a figure of €13,900 and costs to €12,447.89. Ian Davis acknowledged that the handing over of waste to unauthorised waste collectors is still a serious problem for PURE.‘A considerable number of the large illegal dumping incidents that we respond to, are the direct results of a householder or business handing over their waste to unauthorised waste collectors. These people have no respect for our county’s environment and all of this waste ends up in the Wicklow mountains.’ This lack of respect was further emphasised in a recent court case involving a Dublin business, Huntstown Pharmacy, which resulted in a fine of €2,700, and costs of €1,900. Another method of identifying offenders involved in illegal dumping/fly-tipping has been the introduction of covert CCTV cameras. ‘Certain people who may think they are getting away with this type of activity should really think again. You never know who’s watching, or where.’ The lo-call-phone-line, 1850-365-121, which allows for the reporting of dumpers and dumping, has proven a great success, and PURE urges the Wicklow public to avail of this number. ‘Dumpers don’t care about our environment and you never know, it could be your neighbourhood next.’

Kildare Post 2-May-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:30:45 +0000

'War on Dumping'

Headline warns ‘reckless illegal dumpers in west Wicklow’ that environmental project (PURE) will use CCTV equipment to identify offenders.

Wicklow People 16-April-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:35:28 +0000

'Disgust at Dumping of Waste at Scenic Spot'

The dumping of over 20 tonnes of illegal waste, including animal carcasses, in the Hollywood area of west Wicklow is condemned.

Irish Times 16-April-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:36:52 +0000

'The Blight of Environmental Vandalism'

An article on environmental damage focuses on the PURE Project, highlighting the recent illegal dumping/fly-tipping in West Wicklow area describing it as an, ‘example of some of the worst and most irresponsible fly-tipping.’

28-February-2007

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:45:19 +0000

PURE Project features on popular R.T.E. environmental programme, ‘Eco Eye’. Environmentalist Duncan Stewart and Ian Davis of PURE discuss the effects and frequency of illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the upland region, and what the PURE project aims to achieve.

Wicklow People 18-January-2007

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:40:51 +0000

'Great Progress in Such a Short Space of Time'

PURE project features in the ‘News Special’ section of the Wicklow People commenting that the ‘…magnitude of their job is plain to see when you one considers that a huge 16 tonnes of illegal wastes waste recovered from the uplands in just 28 days…hopefully once people become more aware of PURE we will start to notice a change in trends.’

Wicklow Uplands Council Newsletter Autumn 2006

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:14:18 +0000

Over the years many of the organisations involved with Wicklow Uplands Council have voiced their disgust at illegal dumping and fly-tipping. Walkers, cyclists, hikers, mountaineers, gun clubs, anglers, have all encountered incidents where the famous aesthetic splendour or the Wicklow countryside has been tarnished by mindless, indiscriminate dumping, which is caused by a minority within our society. Landowners and farmers have been particularly targeted by habitual fly-tippers resulting in costly clean-up operations. With the establishment of the PURE project they can now seek the assistance of this new anti-dumping campaign. Colin Murphy, Director of the Wicklow Uplands Council further commented, ‘The PURE project will provide the community and members of the Wicklow Uplands Council with a direct point of contact in relation to illegal dumping and fly-tipping. Landowners are being continual affected by dumping and the establishment of PURE project will be a welcomed relief for all farmers in the Wicklow uplands region.’

Irish Mountain Log Winter Issue 2006

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:15:39 +0000

'Protecting the Uplands from Littering'

The general public are more aware today than ever before of the necessity to protect our natural environment. No visitor to the Wicklow uplands region will argue of its beauty, no visitor departs without the realisation that its future sustainability is paramount. Unfortunately, in recent years many visitors have departed with a sense of anger. Anger due to the amount of litter and dumping they have encountered. The scenery is stunning. It is inevitable that any visitor, walker, cyclist etc., would comment on this, it is almost expected. Views of adjoining mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, even seascapes, can all be witnessed from an elevated site in this region. Many visitors to the upland area will, invariably, arrive by car. Their journey, and on many occasions their entire days activity, has been tarnished by the amount of dumping, litter, fly-tipping that they encounter. Hill walkers and outdoor enthusiasts in general, require transport to arrive at their trekking point. It has become difficult to travel the network of upland roads without witnessing incidents where some act of indiscriminate dumping infringes on the landscape. ….Piles of domestic rubbish dumped in lay-bys, their contents blowing in the wind, have unfortunately become, an all to frequent sight. Mattresses, bed frames, wardrobes, bedside lockers, lamps and carpets were all recently discarded in a forest entrance by Lough Dan, their appearance an offence to the surrounding hills. An abandoned fridge and an almost immaculate white washing machine were visible nearby. Under oak wood canopies with gossamer ferns we found piles of black plastic bags with rubbish. A few weeks latter we found fresh piles in the same place with the remnants of the previous disposal scattered around the woodland floor.

1st September 2006 – Large amount of media attention for launch of PURE Project

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:23:41 +0000

RTE Radio Morning Ireland – 1^st September 2006

PURE Project Manager (Ian Davis) speaks to Paul Cunningham from RTE’s Morning Ireland programme and discusses the launch of the PURE project.

RTE 9 News – 1^st September 2006

RTE 9 News interviews Mr Dick Roche TD Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the launch day of PURE at Avondale House in county Wicklow.

SKY News Ireland – 1^st September 2006

Sky News Ireland interviews Mr Tom Lyng, Chairman of PURE project on the launch day of PURE at Avondale House in county Wicklow.

Irish Times 2^nd September 2006

‘Disguised Cameras will Film Wicklow Dumpers’ Irish Times article reports on the launch of the PURE Project and the announcement that ‘a dedicated clean-up vehicle will be on the road on Monday’.

The Star 2^nd September 2006

‘The Hills Have Eyes – Litter Louts to Face Spy Cameras’ The Star article focuses on launch of PURE Project and deployment of covert CCTV cameras to catch illegal dumpers.

Wicklow Times 6^th September 2006

‘Pilot Project Launched to Combat Illegal Dumping’ Wicklow Times report on launch of PURE project. ‘On Friday the start-up of a new environmental partnership initiative to combat the escalating problem of fly-tipping and small scale illegal dumping was launched at Avondale House in Co. Wicklow

Bray People 6^th September 2006

‘Aiming to Keep the Countryside PURE’ Bray People report on the launch of the PURE project. ‘A new environmental partnership has been established to try and clamp down on the scourge of fly-tipping and small illegal dumping in the Wicklow uplands.’

1st September 2006 Press Release; launch of PURE project

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:34:31 +0000

Today Mr Dick Roche TD Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government launched the start-up of a new environmental partnership initiative at Avondale House in Co. Wicklow to combat the escalating problem of fly-tipping and small scale illegal dumping. PURE (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments), is a new regional initiative which incorporates local authorities including: Wicklow County Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, ESB, and a number of non-statutory organisations represented by the Wicklow Uplands Council, environmental, tourism and recreational groups in a joint endeavour to halt incidents of small scale illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin upland regions. The project aims to tackle the increasing amount of fly-tipping and small scale illegal dumping by introducing a number of measures, including a dedicated clean-up vehicle to provide an effective and timely clean-up response to dumping incidents. A lo-call-phone-line 1850 365 121, which was established by the EPA will enable the general public to report incidents of fly-tipping/illegal dumping and report on individuals who are involved in such activities. The creation of an education programme, in conjunction with public awareness campaigns and the distribution of informational literature, will inform the public on the detrimental affects of fly-tipping/illegal dumping. The PURE project will also be collaborating with An Garda Síochán and local authority Environmental Enforcement Officers, with the introduction of CCTV monitoring of ‘black spot’ areas and regular Garda check points to insure transporters have legitimate waste permits. The project has also created a data-base to record all incidents of illegal dumping and will ‘name and shame’ any offenders who are convicted of such offences. On launching the project today the Minister welcomed the introduction or the PURE project, stating that, ‘The start-up of this project is good news for the Wicklow/Dublin upland region. It is an excellent example of local partnership in action. For the first time it will unite all the main players – local authorities, the Gardaí, business, community groups and associations – in working together towards a solution to the scourge of littering and fly-tipping in the area. The project is a unique and innovative one and I am delighted to be able to provide the funding to get it up and running’. Although large scale illegal dumping has ceased in the Wicklow/Dublin region, fly-tipping and habitual dumping activities on a smaller scale have increased in recent times. The management committee responsible for establishing the PURE project are eager to involve all members of the community in assisting with their objectives by both, promoting the lo-call-phone-line, 1850 365 121, to report fly-tipping or dumping incidents, and identifying those involved in dumping activities. The Chairman of the PURE project, Mr. Tom Lyng of Coillte commented, ‘Fly-tipping and illegal dumping affects our landscape both, aesthetically and environmentally and we are determined to combat this problem. By calling the lo-call-phone-line, 1850 365 121, the general public can alert us to any incident of dumping with an added assurance of a fast clean-up response time’. The PURE project manager, Ian W. Davis, encouraged the public to inform the project on any incidents relating to fly-tipping or dumping, stating that, ‘The majority of the public dispose of their waste in a responsible manner, unfortunately, the actions of the minority have necessitated the establishment of the PURE project. The project is a collective attempt to eradicate all aspects of fly-tipping and illegal dumping, from roadside domestic dumping of black bags, to builders’ rubble and garden waste’. The project is funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is the first of its kind in Ireland. It will operate on a regional basis concentrating on the Wicklow/Dublin upland areas and has secured funding for three years. At the conclusion of the project, it will be evaluated to determine whether it should be continued and extended to other areas.