New funding to tackle graffiti across Kildare
Fianna Fail TD Fiona O' Loughlin has welcomed an allocation to County Kildare of €23,000 to tackle graffiti and litter across the county. This represents an increase of €5,000 on last year’s allocation under the 2017 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS).
The Scheme provides funding to local authorities to conduct public awareness and education campaigns at a community level targeting litter, dog fouling and graffiti.
Each local authority is responsible for selecting the suitable awareness projects that receive funding. The allocation of €884,000 country wide brings the total grants provided under this Scheme over the last 10 years to almost €15 million. This funding is to tackle graffiti and littering of all types, including gum, cigarette butts and dog fouling.
O' Loughlin is committed to tacking littering on all fronts and was also delighted to announce actions being taken directly by Kildare County Council.
"I have been highlighting with the council for some time the requirement for additional resources in towns to tackle littering. Two green machines will now be operating in Newbridge and Kildare Town. When necessary Rathangan will also be covered from these resources."
These path sweepers will operate Monday to Friday
The Kildare TD also added that "Littering is environmental sabotage but money cannot solve our litter problems on its own. It takes a behavioural change across communities which I am confident is taking place with the assistance of many active Residents Associations and Tidy Towns Committees. The energy and dedication of thousands of local community and voluntary groups, schoolchildren and teachers is initiating a change in mindset. Hopefully the awareness campaigns that will be funded at a community level under ALAGS will have a real impact. It’s hugely important to support and assist community efforts. "
Interested groups should apply directly to their Local Authority for funding under the 2017 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti.