Kilkenny is calling on YOU to play your part in upcoming event!

The excitement is building as Kilkenny County Council prepares for the highly anticipated Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny weekend, set to take place from September 20 - 22, 2024.

The event will kick off with local schools participating in a cleaning initiative on Friday, September 20 from 10am to 2pm.

Led by Kilkenny County Council, in a collaborative effort to promote environmental stewardship, leading sponsors including Dawn Meats, Tirlán/Glanbia Plc, Panda, PRL, and the John O’Shea Trust have joined forces to support this essential community initiative.

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Over the course of the weekend, it is estimated that more than 4,000 enthusiastic volunteers will engage in litter picking across the beautiful landscape of County Kilkenny, reinforcing the community’s commitment to maintaining a clean and vibrant environment.

Paul Nolan from Dawn Meats emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, that "Dawn Meats is dedicated to improving environmental performance and promoting sustainable practices within our operations."

Supporting ‘Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny’ gives us an opportunity to give back to our local communities directly.

"We’re proud to assist groups like Mooncoin Tidy Towns who are dedicated to beautifying their neighbourhoods, and we look forward to seeing this initiative flourish in the future," he said.

In addition to fostering community spirit and pride, Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny seeks to shift mindsets towards the principles of the circular economy, encouraging residents to rethink their relationship with waste and litter.

Naoise Coogan from Glanbia stated that 'by actively participating in this weekend initiative, volunteers will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also become ambassadors for sustainable practices that mitigate littering in the long term'.

"Education and awareness around waste management will be at the forefront, highlighting the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling as integral components of everyday life," he said.

Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, remarked that Kilkenny 'is renowned for its cleanliness and beauty, which is vital for both tourism and our local economy'.

"Initiatives like Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny help us uphold our image as a clean and green county while
instilling a sense of pride amongst residents," he said.

"The collective effort of our volunteers will undoubtedly have positive long-term benefits for our community. This event serves as a powerful reminder that each member of our community plays a crucial role in caring for the environment, fostering a collective responsibility that extends beyond the weekend and into the future."

Cllr Mick McCarthy, Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.

"Creating a litter-free environment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our community but also fosters important mental health and social benefits," he said.

"Engaging residents in collective actioncstrengthens community bonds and encourages a sense of belonging."

As of last week, the registration portal was closed with over 120 registered groups marking a significant milestone in community involvement.

Efforts are now being focused on preparing kits for the registered groups.

Health and safety briefing sessions are currently being conducted to ensure that all volunteers are well-informed on safe practices during their litter pick activities.

The litter kits will be distributed from our Municipal District offices and from the main office in County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny to registered groups following their training sessions.

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