Keep it clean!

It seems like Summer has finally decided to turn up. Better late than never, I suppose. The weather has started to give us more than 24 hours of heat and thankfully, the rain has only visited us once or twice, in the last few weeks. This of course means that many of us will be heading out to visit our wonderful countryside. Additionally, thousands of returning visitors and hopefully including the exciting potential, of lots of first time tourists, will visit our quirky City Centre, outlying towns and villages.

That “First impressions count” has never been so important to Waterford, than now. The potential of significant growth, as outlined in the 2040 Government National Planning Framework, the North Quays crossing the finishing line with An Bord Pleanála, Michael Street shopping complex raring to go and our glorious Greenway attracting almost quarter of a million visitors, in the first ten months, since opening, gives us a head start. Circa 106,000 walkers and circa 142,000 cyclists, all mixing and convivially sharing, well most of the time, the same 46km stretch, of old disused railway line between Waterford City and Dungarvan Town.

Approximately 94% of users, said that their overall perception of the Greenway was excellent or good. 68% of the walkers and cyclists said, “This amenity was the main reason that they visited or travelled to County Waterford.” The stunning scenery and vistas was one of the main attractions for people visiting and using the Greenway. Nearly half of the 250,000 visitors, spent around €28.50 on food and refreshments, whilst navigating the 46km route. Stopping off at all points between The City and Dungarvan. The “Boom effect” is seen in places like Kilmacthomas, Durrow and even off track, in villages like Lemybrien and Kilmeaden. Everywhere there is a connection, there is a very positive economic impact. Jobs are certainly being created and businesses are benefiting.

Yes, we occasionally hear, on Eamon Keane’s WLR Deise Today, that recreational walkers, joggers, doggy walkers and cyclists are at each other throats. Thankfully these are very isolated incidents. Though sometimes, you would think that the close proximity of a pedestrian and a Lycra-clad-pedal-pusher was an excuse to start WW3? I am sure that occasionally people just complain, to hear their own voices on the radio. We’re in reality not a very tolerant society, yet wish to give the impression that we are. In general and on the whole, the 250,000 Greenway Guardians, are getting on with enjoying this, our newest, public amenity.

Our City’s centre and the hearts of our towns and villages are also looking resplendent. Many of course, are hoping to pick up additional points in the annual Tidy Towns competition. They want to be that committee interviewed “Live”, by Mary Kennedy, on RTE’s Nationwide. These types of community projects help create the right impression. The hundreds of hanging floral displays, with their “Bee friendly” flowers, make Ireland’s Oldest City, a joy to walk around at this time of year. We see many businesses striving to make that extra special effort, to create the right impression for every visitor.

There are so many trying to do the right thing, to make Waterford wondrous. It takes time and not an insignificant amount of effort, to make these wee changes, which make such a big difference.

It’s such a pity that some have an indifferent, unsympathetic attitude, to improving and looking after, the ambience of our City and county.

I do wonder what motivates these abhorrent, repugnant people, to drop litter, fly-tip or illegally dump? Oh and don’t get me started on dog owners, who abandon Fido’s s~*$e for us to walk on! It’s just a two fingered salute to the hard work of so many. If we’re not careful, the very amenities that we ALL share so lovingly, will very quickly become a public refuse bin. Worryingly, there are signs that this is already happening.

When it comes to littering and dog s~*$e, everyone must take responsibility. From the top down, there has to be a sea change in attitude. Many of our EU neighbours get it spot on, so why can’t we?

When it’s gone, it’s gone, heed the warning!