A new public awareness campaign from Leave No Trace Ireland and its partners calls on the public to exercise renewed care and responsibility when outdoors in managing dogs, preventing litter, and ensuring that there are no fires unless on a designated site.
As we enter summer, Leave No Trace Ireland – Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors – is encouraging everyone to 'Love This Place, Leave No Trace'.
The campaign is asking the public to play their part by acting responsibly so that everyone can experience and enjoy outdoor spaces while helping to protect them from increased pressures this year as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Speaking after the launch Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D
“I am delighted that we in the OPW are a partner in the Love this Place, Leave no Trace Campaign. With summer just begun, we can look forward to more people exploring and enjoying the great outdoors and I think we can all agree that for everyone to be able to enjoy our open spaces, we must all play our part in keeping them clean".
The Minister concluded
"There are fantastic parks, gardens and heritage grounds in the OPW’s care all across the island – some even are an island themselves – and the OPW’s staff work hard to maintain them to a high standard so that they can be enjoyed by all visitors. But we need your help to keep these places litter-free and safe for all, so be responsible when you are out and about, keep dogs on a lead always and bear in mind the simple message of this campaign: love this place, leave no trace.”
This public awareness campaign is being run by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Sport Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Services under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Coillte, and Dublin City Council.
The ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign will emphasise several key messages:
Littering:
1. Plan ahead and always pack a bin bag with you when heading outdoors. By taking your rubbish home with you, you are playing your part in keeping our outdoor spaces litter free and beautiful.
Responsible Dog Ownership and Control:
1. Always pick up after your dog, bag it and safely bin it, or bring it home with you.
2. Keeping your dog on a lead shows consideration for others and avoids disturbing livestock and wildlife.
Campfires, and Disposable BBQs:
1. No fires unless on a designated site. You should not light a campfire unless you have permission from the landowner.
2. If you are at a designated site, where campfires are permitted, make sure you have the skills for setting and using campfires. See leavenotraceireland.org for detailed guidance on using campfires safely.
3. Do not use disposable BBQs.
Information and guidelines for individuals, communities and organisations are available from the Leave No Trace Ireland website.
ENDS