Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to be associated with the congratulations to the Tidy Towns committees across the country. Yesterday was a great day for recognising the exceptional work that is done by volunteers through the energy, time and commitment they give to ensuring our villages and towns look so well. As Senator Leyden has rightly said, we have had good success in Roscommon. Roscommon town, Castlecoote, Kilteeven, Ballintober, Athleague, Portrunny, Keadew, Tarmonbarry and Cloontuskert have all done exceptionally well. While they may not have received awards, many other towns and villages have also increased their marks, which emphasises that further improvements have been made.

Having been involved in many clean-ups and with Tidy Towns over the past number of years, I know it is important that we see further targeted measures to deal with illegal dumping, particularly in rural areas. I know the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been proactive in providing funding to assist with major clean-ups where volunteers are unable to access these spots, which is welcome, but we need targeted approaches to deal with prevention rather than clean-ups. Once again, I compliment all who have been involved.