South Dublin County says NO to gum litter

The Mayor Billy Gogarty launched the National Gum Litter Action Campaign in Lucan on Tuesday 24^th July 2007. Representatives of Lucan Tidy Towns, South Dublin County Council litter wardens and officials were present to highlight the incorrect disposal of gum litter.

The campaign - Thanks for binning your gum when youre done is supported by

advertising, in-store and around store advertising, point of sale materials and the promotion of greater awareness of litter fines for the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum in South Dublin County.

The Mayor Billy Gogarty said In the 2006 Litter Monitoring survey in South Dublin County, chewing gum litter accounted for 25.57% of the litter detected. This campaign highlights the problem of chewing gum litter and will increase awareness of disposing of gum in a responsible way. Members of Lucan Tidy Towns and many residents and community groups work hard to make our towns and estates a better and cleaner place Lets support them and remember to bin your gum when youre done. The Mayor congratulated the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley on his announcement that the on-the-spot litter fine will be increased form 125 to 150 in September. This measure shows that this Government is serious about combating the litter problem he said.

The National Campaign is a joint initiative between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the gum industry as represented by the Food & Drinks Industry Ireland (FDII) division of IBEC.

For further information contact:

Maire Ni Dhomhnaill or Claire Hinch, Environmental Awareness Section, South Dublin County Council

mnidhomhnaill@sdublincoco.ie

chinch@sdublincoco.ie