Environment

from Slaney News, Issue 140, January 2022

Arts

Red Carpet for Green Co

Best Community Project to Improve Accessibility in Gardens / Parks Winner: Kiltealy Tidy Towns. https://youtu.be/qLYvGQF8tlA

Best Community Project to Improve Accessibility to Infrastructure. Winner: Our Lady's Island Community Development. https://youtu.be/mLFZunf3Y9k

Wexford County Council’s Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition is not just about maintaining a clean and well presented locality. It is about fostering pride in local communities and recognising and rewarding individuals and groups for their efforts. Entries come from all types of voluntary community groups, such as residents’ associations, youth groups, environmental groups, heritage preservation groups and special interest groups. The prizes are in the form of cash to fund environmental projects in local communities. Judging took place in June and July 2021 with the following criteria taken into account in the judging process: • • • • • Community effort. Litter management initiatives. Absence of graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned cars. Planting initiatives e.g. flowers, shrubs, hanging baskets. Treatment of communal areas such as open spaces and grass margins. • Best environment initiatives – recycling / re-use / composting / nature studies / energy conservation / water conservation / waste prevention. • Best preservation and protection of a heritage site in sympathy with its character. • Best access initiatives and provision and promotion of inclusive space. On Thursday 9th December the awards were held. This annual event, normally held in person and bringing together school children, community groups, volunteers, residents’ groups and individuals, could not be held in its traditional way in December 2021. So a special environmental programme broadcast live on South East radio was the platform for this year’s awards and proved to be a tremendous celebration of the environment and voluntary effort. The special environmental programme, which was presented by Alan McGuire, announced the winners of the Keep Wexford Beautiful programme. Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, congratulated all the participants and went on to acknowledge the magnificent voluntary work that is carried out throughout the county. Councillor Murphy welcomed the opportunity to pay a public tribute to the many excellent people who work so hard, year in, year out, to enhance their communities and stated, ‘It is heartening to see groups of local volunteers showing such spirit and endeavour and in the process inspiring others in their community to follow their example. The voluntary work undertaken makes a great contribution to improving our towns and villages, making them better places to live, work and visit. I have witnessed first-hand the trojan work that these volunteers do within the county. The unselfish effort and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really does make a difference to communities. The Environment Awards are about recognising and celebrating the inspirational, tireless work being done by communities all over our county. Wexford Co. Council is very lucky to have

Keep Wexford Beautiful Overall Winner: Blackwater Tidy Towns group.

ommunities

Best New Entry Winner: Wellingtonbridge Tidy Towns Group https://youtu.be/M61pEno3Hi4

such vibrant, enthusiastic and positive-minded people living in communities throughout the county who embrace key environmental messages and promote them extensively in their local areas. I applaud all the volunteers who are involved in their local communities and I encourage you all to continue to care and protect our environment.’ Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, recognised the commitment and dedication of all committees and individuals who make such a real difference at a local level. She said, ‘Your dedication is an inspiration to communities everywhere and illustrates the real benefits of pulling together for the greater good of the place we call home.’ On a night which the elected members also enjoyed, the first prize in each category was announced by the Chairpersons of the Municipal Districts and the Strategic Policy Committees. Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy, An Cathaoirleach, announced the overall winner of the Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition as Blackwater Tidy Towns. Alan McGuire stated that, ‘Blackwater is a large and thriving village whose population expands a great deal during the summer months. This is not surprising considering its ideal seaside location in the sunny south-east. The pollinator project is a great initiative. Colourful planting provides for butterflies and other insects. The unique character of Blackwater can be seen in its traditional buildings and architecture. The Millrace Nature Walk invites locals and visitors to step away from the bustle of everyday life and enjoy a haven of tranquillity, which is also a bird and wildlife sanctuary. As you progress through the village you’ll be reminded of the tradition of ‘dancing at the crossroads’ and further on, at a junction of five roads, informative signage tells how Noah’s grandson came to Blackwater. Yes, Lyra and his followers are said to have been amongst the first people to come to Ireland! ‘It’s not surprising then that Blackwater Tidy Towns are again being recognised for their outstanding commitment to the local environment and the very high standards achieved as they continue to maintain and enhance their beautiful village. Congratulations to Blackwater Tidy Towns.’ Bridgetown College was recognised for receiving its first green flag and congratulations were extended to all green schools who renewed their green flag in 2021. The environment is in very good hands. n

KEEP WEXFORD BEAUTIFUL RESULTS 2021

BEST OVERALL ENTRY Winner Blackwater Tidy Towns BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED HOUSING ESTATE 1st Westwinds Residents Association, Kilrane 2nd Portside Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr Joint 3rd Greenore Park Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr Joint 3rd Milehouse Residents Association, Enniscorthy Highly Commended Bernadette Place Residents Association, Wexford Highly Commended Cois Abhainn Residents Association, Blackwater BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED TOWN/VILLAGE 1st Kiltealy Tidy Towns 2nd Gorey Tidy Towns Joint 3rd Ballyduff Development Group Joint 3rd Ferns Tidy Towns Highly Commended Clean Screen Team BEST COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE 1st Croghan Barrack Community Project 2nd Duncormick Area Action CLG 3rd Clonroche Development Association Highly Commended Ladhra Residents Association, Blackwater BEST HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PROJECT 1st Gorey Tidy Towns Joint 2nd Barntown Heritage Group Joint 2nd Askamore/Muintir na Tire Community Project Ltd 3rd Tomhaggard Pastoral Council Highly Commended Clonegal Tidy Village Committee Highly Commended St. Garvan's Well - St. Garvan's Church, Caroreigh BEST COMMUNITY COASTAL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE 1st Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group 2nd Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns 3rd Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Environment Group Highly Commended Curracloe Tidy Village BEST NEW ENTRY 1st Wellingtonbridge Tidy Towns Group Joint 2nd Ballyfad Tidy Towns Joint 2nd Carraig Dubh Residents, Blackwater 3rd Ballymoney Kildermot Community Development Group Highly Commended Rathpierce Community Group Highly Commended Kilrane Tidy Village Group BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO INFRASTRUCTURE 1st Our Lady's Island Community Development BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROBE ACCESSIBILITY IN GARDENS/PARKS 1st Kiltealy Tidy Towns BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT THAT TACKLES AND REDUCES THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE 1st Seal Rescue Ireland, Courtown 2nd Ferns Tidy Towns BEST COMMUNITY BIODIVERSITY PROJECT 1st Monageer Parish Grotto Group Joint 2nd Blackwater Junior Tidy Towns Joint 2nd Killanne Development Group 3rd Ferns Tidy Towns Highly Commended Hollyfort Development Group BEST COMMUNITY WASTE PREVENTION/RE-USE PROJECT 1st Foulksmills Tidy Towns 2nd Gorey Tidy Towns 3rd Monageer Parish Grotto Group

Your New Year’s resolution

Pledge to do a 2-minute beach clean!

In a brand-new video produced by the Clean Coasts organisation in association with Cube Media, Clean Coasts is urging people to have a green New Year and choose a resolution they can commit to by pledging to do a #2minutebeachclean to help protect the Irish coast and waterways.

The video shows the character Dave trying to go into 2022 being better and greener by being more conscious of the environment. However, after several failed attempts he begins to lose hope until he finds himself on a beach in front of a #2minutebeachclean board and exclaims; “A 2-minute beach clean. So simple and keeps me green. New Year’s resolution in the bag!”

The campaign’s aim is to let people know that they don’t need to commit to a huge New Year’s resolution that they may not be able to sustain until the end of the year to make a difference. A #2minutebeachclean is an easy pledge to make that is flexible, doable and can be built on as your green year moves forward.

We have all seen marine litter along Ireland’s coastline. For all the beach lovers out there, the new year is an opportunity to do something about it in just 2 minutes! In 2021, 2,000 people pledged to do a #2minutebeachclean and received a kit. For 2022, Clean Coasts are calling on people around Ireland to visit their website and pledge to do a #2minutebeachclean to receive a reusable individual beach clean kit containing a tote bag and gloves.

Sean Ferguson from Wexford won this year’s Ocean Hero Awards in the #2minutebeachclean Leader Award category. He said of the initiative: “I am a huge supporter of the #2minutebeachclean initiative. I think other people are crazy not to be picking up litter. I am proud to be Irish and even more proud to be from Wexford and I will continue every day cleaning the beaches, rivers, streets and forests of this beautiful country of ours.”

How to take part in the #2minutebeachclean? The next time you are out and about along the coast or near a waterway, take two minutes to pick up some litter you see, share a picture of it on social media, tag Clean Coasts, use the hashtag #2minutebeachclean and dispose of the litter properly.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities manage, said: “The #2minutebeachclean is such a great initiative to get involved in. Every day, so many people around Ireland share their #2minutebeachclean on social media, and that helps show how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. By taking part, not only do you make an immediate positive impact for the marine environment and wildlife, but it’s also a chance to spend time outdoors by the sea, exercise and even practice mindfulness.”

To sign up to receive your own #2minutebeachclean kit, visit the Clean Coasts website: www.cleancoasts.org leancoasts.org

Coasts Twitter: @CleanCoasts Instagram: @cleancoasts YouTube: Clean Coasts Ireland

Presentation Secondary School, Wexford, wins in fight against single use plastic!

On Thursday 16th December, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, congratulated Presentation Secondary School Wexford on their work in helping their local community to reduce single use plastic.

The competition held for secondary schools across Wexford and Waterford had huge success in encouraging action against single use plastic bottles. Schools learned about the benefits of refilling a reusable bottle with water versus using a single use water bottle and disposing of it, at an online workshop during Reuse Month. Students then took action in their communities by encouraging local businesses to offer water refills and register to appear on Refill.ie’s Tap Map. This map shows all locations in Ireland where a free refill of water is available.

Speaking at the prizegiving where she presented them with their prize of a contactless water station and reusable water bottles, Cllr Murphy said: “This is a great campaign for communities up and down the county to get involved in. It encourages schools and businesses alike to take action against plastics, thus preventing waste and acting against climate change. This competition has united communities in a common goal to responsibly refill a reusable bottle and continue to contribute to the positive results the campaign has seen to date.” “Schools across the county have done tremendous work for this competition”, commented Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer with Wexford County Council. “This campaign has highlighted the benefits of refilling and reusing, not just within the school but across the wider community I would encourage everyone to look at the Tap Map on Refill.ie to check where their local refill points are located. We were delighted to receive LAPN funding from the EPA to run this competition.” n

L-R: Ciara O’Muiri (Teacher, Presentation Secondary School), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council), Students Ella O’Rourke, Eileen Kehoe, Elise De Souza, Principal Billy Ryan, Cliona Connolly (Environmental Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council).

Wexford’s Clean Coasts heroes

Wexford’s Sean Ferguson has won first place in the Clean Coast’s Ocean Hero Awards 2021 and Wexford Sub Aqua Group and Wexford Estuary Group were also shortlisted for awards.

Each year, the Ocean Hero Awards honour the invaluable contribution Clean Coasts volunteers, groups and communities have made towards conserving our spectacular coastline. Being Ireland’s foremost community-based coastal education programme, the Clean Coasts programme can count on the work of over 1,800 volunteer groups and over 37,000 volunteers. The involvement and support of the whole community is essential to the work of Clean Coasts and the Ocean Hero Awards recognising the invaluable contribution volunteers, groups and communities have made towards conserving the Irish coastline.

2021 was an unusual year, and, like everyone, Clean Coasts and their volunteers have had to adapt. The continued support, engagement, and interest from the many Clean Coasts volunteers around the country has been outstanding, showing dedication and resilience through these testing times. Clean Coasts understands that it was not possible for everybody to take part in clean-up activities in 2021 and for some it was incredibly frustrating not to be able to get out to those places that they love and normally care for. In an effort to recognise the growth of its volunteer groups, the number of Ocean Hero categories was expanded to include ten categories in 2021. The categories include: Clean Coasts Group of Year Clean Coasts Volunteer of the Year Clean Coasts Youth of the Year Clean Coasts #2minutebeachclean Leader Award Clean Coasts #BigBeachClean Award Clean Coasts Beach Clean Bubble Award Clean Coasts #EnjoyandProtect Award Think Before You Flush Community of the Year (supported by Irish Water) Clean Coasts Corporate Volunteering Award Clean Coasts Amazing Achievements Great and Small Award

Wexford local Sean Ferguson took home first place in the #2minutebeachclean Leader Award category. When asked about his clean-up efforts Sean said: “If someone had told me years ago that I would be cleaning up other people’s litter I would have laughed at them and thought them crazy. Now I think other people are crazy not to be picking up litter. I am proud to be Irish and even prouder to be from Wexford and I will continue every day cleaning the beaches, rivers, streets and forests of this beautiful country of ours. Sure, doesn't everyone need a hobby?” The #2minutebeachclean Leader Award celebrates volunteers who use social media and direct action to empower, educate, inspire, and enable individuals, groups, and businesses to make simple changes or take part in simple actions that will contribute to the planet’s wellbeing. 2021 saw two more Wexford groups shortlisted in two different categories. The Wexford Sub Aqua Club was shortlisted in the Enjoy and Protect Award category and Wexford Estuary Group was shortlisted in the Beach Clean Bubble Award category. All shortlisted Wexford nominees were sent a congratulatory gift package to thank them for their contribution to coasts across Ireland despite the various challenges that 2021 brought. Check out Clean Coast’s YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4dkQ4TxfusU n

Award winner: Sean Ferguson.

Award winner: Wexford Estuary Group.

Wexford’s wonderful water

Despite a series of Boil Water Notices over recent months in Co. Wexford’s main towns, a recent EPA report highlights the continuing high quality of public drinking water supplied by Irish Water in County Wexford and nationwide. Nationally in 2020: • 99.5% of water samples taken in 2020 were compliant with microbiological and chemical standards, meaning public water supplies are safe to drink. • 58 Water Treatment Plants were built or upgraded in 2020. • €450m invested in water projects. • Over 100,000 people removed from ‘at risk’ supplies in 2020. The report has also highlighted the continuing reduction in water supplies they class at risk with a further reduction of 11 supplies from the Remedial Action List (RAL) in 2020 benefitting over 100,000 people. The total number of supplies that remain at risk is down to 46, the lowest number since the RAL’s inception in 2008. Since 2014, Irish Water has been working in partnership with Wexford County Council to address water quality issues across the county. They have built new drinking water infrastructure in towns and villages across the county, improving water quality, benefitting local communities, and facilitating the removal of the Sow Regional Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’s Remedial Action List.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, is progressing works for the delivery of the Gorey Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project provides for a new water treatment plant (WTP) and reservoir at Ballyminaun Hill, upgrade works to an existing reservoir at Ballyminaun Hill and associated interconnecting infrastructure. Works are due to be completed around now. The existing scheme is operating at maximum capacity. This project will increase capacity to the area in order to facilitate growth and development. Progress has been made in other projects and programmes also including the Wexford Disinfection Programme. Irish Water is investing €65 million to upgrade and standardise disinfection systems across the country. The programme involves over 864 water treatment plants, pumping stations, and reservoirs nationwide. Disinfection kills disease-causing organisms in water, and delivers clean, safe drinking water. Irish Water is upgrading Water Treatment Plants across Wexford as part of the National Disinfection Programme. To date, upgrades have been completed in Ballindaggin, Boolavogue, Bree, Carrickduff, Castledockrell, Clonroche, Coolgreaney, Davidstown, Vinegar Hill, Killagooley, Edermine, Ballygarron, Kiltealy Ballycrystal, Ballinellard, Newtown, Woodview Drive Adamstown, Monagear-Moin Rua, Camolin, Chestnut Grove, Raheen, Terrarath, Creagh, Glynn and Carrickbyrne Water Treatment Plants.

Another key programme is the removal of the risk of THMs (Trihalomethanes) and cryptosporidium in water supplies – vital to ensuring clean, safe drinking water throughout the country. Boil Water Notices numbered 67 in 2019 but were down to 42 in 2020.

The report also refers to Irish Water’s lead programme which involves the replacement of lead service connections in the public network. There are an estimated 180,000 lead service connections in Ireland and Irish Water has replaced over 35,000 to date.

Commenting on the report, Eamon Gallen, General Manager of Irish Water, said: “Given the size and scale of the legacy issues and continued need to upgrade plants and the network, Irish

Water is delighted to achieve a 99% compliance rate. During 2020, we made major investments in new and upgraded plants as well as improvement programmes delivering key upgrades within operating plants. Irish Water is investing €2 billion between 2014 and 2021 to improve drinking water quality.

“As the EPA’s report highlights, pesticide concentrations are a concern in an increasing number of plants and

Irish Water is in full agreement that this is best addressed through catchment management. We are working closely with our partners in the National Pesticide and Drinking Water Action Group to create awareness of the importance of responsible pesticide use and the need to consider alternatives to ensure environmental protection. “We are advancing Water Safety Plans for all of our larger supplies, with a key emphasis on minimising risks from source to tap. We have engaged extensively and comprehensively with the EPA on this and will prioritise funding towards those schemes at highest risk. “In recent years, Irish Water has improved its national testing protocols... new supplies are being identified as being ‘at risk’ and have been added to the RAL. In other words, Irish Water is finding issues that were always there but never detected. “The report is clear, however, that much more remains to be done. The building, repair and upgrading of Irish Water’s water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer network will require a multi-billion euro investment programme over many years... Irish Water’s investment plan prioritises key outcomes such as leakage; removing water supplies from the EPA’s Remedial Action List; and stopping the discharge of raw sewage into water bodies.

“In preparing our Capital Investment Plan, Irish Water has optimised investment decisions by prioritising the best possible service improvements, while maximising value-for-money. The list of projects and programmes is continuously being refined based on new and emerging needs and is subject to budget, technical and environmental constraints, as well as statutory approvals.” n

Above left: The annual Christmas outing for Carraig Briste Early Years school to Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, on 26th November, Emma, Ava, Amy (staff member), Ava and Sophie. Above right: Carraig Briste group at the Farm.

Children from the Oak Room in Carraig Briste with Orlagh Doyle (proprietor).