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Here Comes the Summer … Time to team up but keep it clean!


Beach boys …comedian Conal Gallen (right) joins Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ciaran Brogan at the launch of the Here Comes the Summer’ anti-litter campaign which was launched on Monday.
 It’s July and the holiday season gets under way soon as the lure of the pristine waters, golden sandy beaches, glorious highways and byways and friendly relaxed way of life becomes too attractive to resist.
Yes its Donegal time. And now with the very favourable exchange rate providing the veritable icing on the cake, more and more will be heading west to a county that has welcomed our Northern Ireland visitors for decades.
It’s been a heavenly haven for people since holidays were invented and is now attracting stars of stage and screen.
Over the years the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Paul Rudd and Woody Allen to name but have found their way to Donegal and of course many household names from Northern Ireland have made no secret of the fact that Donegal is their second home.
But these amazing landscapes, extraordinary seaside cliffs and rugged mountains not to mention some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland needs loving care and attention too.  Donegal County Council has a progressive environmental policy that protects these treasurers and now want visitors from Northern Ireland to help out.

Snag it, bag it …and keep it clean! Ireland’s top funny man Conal Gallen is surrounded by (l-r) Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Litter Warden Martin Roarty and the Council’s Communications Officer, Anne Marie Conlon as they gently encourage everyone enjoying Donegal’s fantastic facilities to take their rubbish with them when they leave.

Now as part of the ongoing environmental campaign, Donegal County Council has just launched its ‘Here Comes The Summer’ initiative where it is asking locals and visitors to team up over the holiday season and ensure they protect the precious countryside, mountains and beaches from making the wrong impression.
And to add a little fun to their efforts the Council has drafted in Ireland’s top comedian, Conal Gallen to back up its efforts.
Conal, who is well known to audiences all over the province, officially launched the new campaign this week, said he was backing the Northern  tourists to show their support for the local team and play a part in keeping Donegal clean throughout the summer.
“People from all over the North love Donegal as much as they love their home patch and I think it’s wonderful all are being asked to be on the same team this summer. As I said before, litter is no joke and it’s up to all of us to protect what we have and make sure our beaches and countryside remains in tip top condition.
“Take yer rubbish home …or you’ll have to answer to me,” he said.
The message is simple:
·         If you are enjoying a picnic on the beach, please bring your rubbish home and leave nothing behind
·         Never throw rubbish out the car window
·         Recycle at any of the six recycling centres in Donegal or at any of the 70 bring banks throughout the county.
·         Enjoy your visit and leave only footprints behind.
Speaking at the launch the Council Cathaoirleach, (Chairman) Cllr Ciaran Brogan is keen for the partnership to work for the benefit of all concerned.
“We want tourists visiting the county to become involved and join the ongoing efforts of the locals to keep places like the Wild Atlantic Way and Donegal’s many distinctive towns and villages a good place to visit”
Donegal County Council Chief Executive, Seamus Neely added that it was important the county facilitated the needs of both the locals and the visitors well into the future.
“The concept of sustainable tourism and the need to ensure that future tourism growth needs to go hand in hand with the protection, planning and management of the quality, character and distinctiveness of our unique tourism product,” he said
Here Comes The Summer …play your part!
For more information on recycling in Donegal see www.brysonrecycling.org or visit the Donegal County Council website at www.donegal.ie