Fanad Lighthouse provided the stunning backdrop for the launch of this year’s Big Donegal Clean Up where hundreds of volunteers from across the county will once again take to the highways and byways to gather litter and get the county looking clean and green for all to enjoy.
“This is the fifth year of the Big Donegal Clean Up and each year it has grown more and more popular” says Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill.
“It is a real partnership between Donegal County Council and the hundreds of communities around the county who come together to lift litter and clean their own areas. We are fortunate to have such active communities and people who care so much about their own areas.
“I am delighted that this year we are recognising our own Big Donegal Community Clean Up Ambassadors to help promote the campaign and encourage others to get involved. This year’s ambassadors are Sarah Sayers, Falcarragh Clean Coast, Geraldine McBrearty, Frosses, Liam Mailey, Convoy Community Environmental Group, Gerard Martin, Newtowncunningham and Clodagh Walsh from Fanad Coastal Group. These people are among hundreds who keep our beaches and our towns and villages in tip top shape year in and year out and I think it is only right that they are named as ambassadors for this initiative.
This year’s Big Donegal Clean Up is also being supported by Sarah McGovern the national ambassador for the An Taisce National Spring Clean campaign.
Michael McGarvey Director of Service with Donegal County Council said “last year was an important year for Donegal with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Ballyliffin. Donegal was showcased to millions of people across the globe and it looked spectacular. This was not just because of the weather but because of the hard work done by the hundreds of volunteers right across the county lifting litter and having their towns and villages looking superb. Last year’s Big Donegal Clean Up was a great success and this year is shaping up to be another successful year”.
He added “we already have in the region of 100 groups signed up for the An Taisce National Spring Clean campaign and the Donegal Clean-Up so we are confident that we will achieve similar numbers this year.”
This year’s campaign is also being supported by Highland Radio’s John Breslin who will be keeping everyone up to date on upcoming clean ups and encouraging people to get involved on his popular weekday lunchtime show.
This campaign sees the Council supporting individuals, groups, businesses and organisations in organising their own clean-ups. The Council provides bags, gloves and litter pickers and arranges for the collection of the rubbish once it has been bagged.
To sign up for this year’s Big Donegal Clean Up call 074 91 53900 or visit www.donegalcoco.ie . You can also register with An Taisce’s National Spring Clean campaign by calling (01) 4002219 or online at www.nationalspringclean.org.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill launching the 2019 Big Donegal Clean Up at the iconic Fanad Lighthouse with Sarah McGovern, An Taisce National Spring Clean ambassador.
