Drogheda Rural Councillor Declan Power has called on Louth County Council to relocate the Bottle Bring Centre which is currently situated adjacent to Walshestown National School.
Power is collaborating with the school’s Principal, Anne-Marie Swinburne, the Parents Council, Louth County Council, and contractors Glassco to have the Bottle bank moved to a more suitable location.
“Despite its role in promoting bottle recycling, the area is constantly marred by broken glass on the footpath and litter scattered around the site, and stuck into every crevice, disregarding the numerous litter signs” he said.
“Additionally, a functional postal letterbox nearby, frequently used by elderly residents, is surrounded by broken glass, posing a significant hazard.
“This situation is unacceptable and detracts from the beauty of our rural countryside” Power said. “More importantly, we have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of the children attending the school. As adults, we must lead by example and recycle responsibly.”
Walshestown NS Principal Anne-Marie Swinburne said: “We in Walshestown N.S. promote and support the importance of recycling for the environment but the constant misuse of the bottle bank outside our school is really concerning.
“There is a persistent risk of injury to our students due to broken glass scattered around the area. Moreover, the presence of household rubbish has led to an upsurge in vermin activity within our school yard around the area of the bottle bank. The safety and well-being of our students is paramount, and we cannot afford to delay in the removal of the bottle banks.”
“While I appreciate the use of the service, I and the parents of children who attend Walshestown NS unfortunately cannot condone the misuse of the service.
Cllr. Power concluded by saying: “I have observed similar misuse of Bottle Bring Centres in Drogheda, which reflects poorly on our town. To ensure these services remain available, we must change our attitudes and behaviours. I anticipate that the Walshestown Bottle Bring Centre will be removed within two to three weeks, and I will work diligently with Louth County Council to find a suitable new location.”
