The Mayor of Waterford City and County recently launched the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge at the new Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota dealership on the Cork Road.
The challenge, now in its fourth year is sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.
As part of the eight-week challenge, secondary school students from across the city and county will be encouraged to identify litter black spots in their communities and carry out regular litter picking of the area. In addition, the students will learn about the sources of litter, and about the benefits of reusing and recycling items.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “I'd like to acknowledge all the students and their teachers for once again signing up to the Schools Litter Challenge. We're in the fourth year of this initiative and the change for good that has been made by each and every one of you is to be commended.
"It would be naïve to not be concerned about the environmental harm that litter, particularly single use plastics, causes. However, knowing that the next generation is prepared to take action to alleviate that damage is heartening.
"Waterford has consistently ranked as Ireland's Cleanest City and it is environmental awareness initiatives such as this, coupled with the continued support of the local business community, particularly Tom Murphy Car Sales, that is keeping Waterford a clean and welcoming place to live, work and invest in."
Waterford City and County Council has provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota has sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school.
Michael Oporowicz, Area Sales Manager, Toyota Ireland said, "Toyota is delighted to support this amazing initiative which aligns with our brand promise, Built For A Better World, which strives to make a positive and tangible difference to Irish society. This program makes a huge difference to the people of Waterford, and we are delighted that Tom Murphy is a leading this program.
"Tom Murphy has been at the heart of Waterford's community for over 50 years and is passionate about Waterford, its people and its presentation. We are looking forward to working with the schools and Waterford City and County Council to realise our aim in working towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly future for generations to come."
Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, "We got a great reaction from the eleven schools from across the city and county who undertook the challenge last year. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were contagious, and while St Augustine’s College Dungarvan emerged as overall winner, the efforts of all the schools did not go unnoticed as there was an apparent reduction in litter and debris in their designated areas."
The Schools Litter Challenge runs until December 20th, 2024 with the overall winners announced by Mayor Murphy at a reception in City Hall in January 2025.
