26/04/10

LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock is calling on all residents in the Coastal East Cork region to contact him with a view to starting a campaign to clean-up the local beaches.

" I am a regular visitor to East Cork but on my first ever visit to Ballybrannigan on Sunday, I was distressed to see a burnt out car and litter strewn across the beach. I am aware that litter is also posing a problem along other beaches in the area. Recently, I was contacted about butter containers washing up at Shanagarry. If we are to attract visitors to the area then this issue has to be addressed," he said.

 

Deputy Sherlock plans to raise the issue at a meeting of Oireachtas members and council officials this week.

 

"I would like to get a public meeting going to facilitate some action on this important issue. It would allow members of the public a chance to have their say on how best to tackle the problem of littered beaches."

 

Describing the many beaches dotted along the East Cork Coastline as an "invaluable natural asset", Deputy Sherlock said it is vital these areas are clean for the summer season.

 

"The current moratorium on recruitment in the public sector is having an impact on the resources Cork County Council can provide toward clean-up initiatives. Therefore, I am hoping that we could get some sort of voluntary effort up and running with some help from FAS," he stated.

 

Print