Scott calls on Council to support Tidy Towns volunteers

Greystones Cathaoirleach Lourda Scott has called on Wicklow County Council to urgently provide a safe disposal facility for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters following increasing reports of discarded cylinders being collected by volunteer groups across Co. Wicklow.

Cllr Scott, who runs Clean Coasts North Wicklow beach cleaning group, and has been contacted by volunteers from Tidy Towns groups, said the current situation is unacceptable and places an unfair burden on community volunteers.

Cllr Scott said: “As someone who carries out monthly beach cleans with Clean Coasts, I have unfortunately seen a number of nitrous oxide canisters discarded in our public spaces. Their use has grown in recent years and I want to stress how extremely dangerous these substances are to people’s health. However we are also left with the problem of what to do with the waste that is discarded. I contacted Wicklow County Council for advice on how to handle these At a recent Greystones District meeting I was told that as the canisters are classified as hazardous material, they have no facilities to safely handle them and are awaiting national guidelines. This really isn't good enough. To me it is simply not acceptable that community groups, who are doing such important work to keep our Towns and beaches clean, are left without proper support or guidance. We have a responsibility to protect both our environment and the people who give their time to care for it. Allowing hazardous canisters to be left in our outdoor spaces is a risk to public safety and undermines the incredible work of our local volunteer groups.”

Cllr Scott said that this issue is not unique to Wicklow, but that some local authorities have already taken practical steps to address the problem.

She continued: “Other councils have engaged specialist contractors and provided designated drop off facilities to ensure these hazardous items can be safely managed. I am calling on Wicklow County Council to take similar action without delay. Furthermore that clear protocols and guidance for community groups are drawn up by the Council about this hazard until a National Framework is developed. ”

She added: “Our communities aren’t a dumping ground for hazardous waste materials. Wicklow County Council must take proactive steps now act now to provide a safe and practical solution that protects both public safety and our environment.”