Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)

I rise to highlight an event coming up in Limerick next week which is of tremendous community pride, which I believe should be brought to the attention of the relevant Minister, perhaps the Minister for local government, and which could be replicated throughout the country. I refer, of course, to Team Limerick Clean-up. This is a one-day clean-up that is in its tenth year. Last year, 22,000 people participated on a voluntary basis. They signed up with the organisation and were provided in advance with clean-up kits comprising a rubbish picker, a bag and, very importantly, a high-vis vest and were encouraged to get together with their family, friends and groups of schoolchildren - I know of businesses which have had their employees doing it - and clean up their local areas. The objectives of the project are to promote civic pride, foster relationships within communities and protect the environment. It is an event that we are very proud of in Limerick and the organisers hope that in this, its tenth year, a record number of people will participate . It is something I believe could and should be looked at and examined to be replicated around the country to help instil a sense of pride in our local environment and help bring communities together.