Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow Visits Ukulele Hooley Festival

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) brought its summer roadshow to the Ukulele Hooley Festival at People's Park, Dún Laoghaire, this weekend, working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's Environmental Awareness Team to promote responsible gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental impact of gum litter.

Festival attendees took part in a range of interactive games and activities designed to encourage positive litter disposal behaviours and highlight the €150 gum litter fine.

Welcoming the initiative, Cllr. Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

"We are delighted to once again welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow to the Ukulele Hooley Festival. As one of Dún Laoghaire's most popular community events, it provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with residents and visitors while celebrating the unique atmosphere that makes the festival so special. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to support both Ukulele Hooley and initiatives that help enhance and protect our public spaces for everyone to enjoy."

The Gum Litter Taskforce has contributed to a reduction in gum litter of almost 70% since 2007 through sustained education and awareness campaigns. Latest figures show gum now accounts for 8.6% of all litter, down from 26.4% in 2006. However, research indicates that 1 in 12 people still admit to dropping gum on the ground, highlighting the continued need for public awareness campaigns.

Anne Devine, Acting Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added:

"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is pleased to support the Gum Litter Taskforce and its efforts to promote responsible gum disposal through education and public engagement. While gum litter has reduced significantly over the last two decades, it remains a persistent source of litter in our towns and villages. Campaigns such as this help reinforce positive behaviours and encourage residents and visitors alike to play their part in keeping Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown clean."

The roadshow was supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's Environmental Awareness Team as part of the Council's ongoing commitment to litter prevention and environmental education. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Council's Litter Management Plan and broader efforts to encourage responsible waste disposal and protect the local environment.