Page 10 - COBH EDITION 1st SEPTEMBER DIGITAL VERSION

EU wants 55% of all plastic to be recycled by 2030 -
MEP Deirdre Clune

“More focus on keeping the country’s rivers and beaches clean”
Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune said everyone from producers, to consumers to businesses
must play their part in the fight against plastic.

MEP Clune was speaking after a survey from Irish Business Against Litter (Ibal) showed that
less that one in ten beaches are litter-free. The survey also found that 40% of rivers, beaches
and harbours are litter zones.
MEP Clune said: “It is so sad to see beautiful places like Cork Harbour, Bundoran and Doolin
Pier in Clare are litter blackspots. We have such a beautiful country that we can’t allow it to
be destroyed by litter. We put a lot of pride in keeping towns around Ireland clean but we
must do the same for the beaches and rivers.
“There is a responsibility on us as users of plastic to ensure we use it responsibly and there is
also a focus on producers to ensure that plastic is easier to reuse and recycle.”
“Plastic production is 20 times higher now than in the 1960s and is set to quadruple again
by 2050. We cannot continue to produce and use this amount of plastic, which is impacting
hugely on our environment.”

“Reducing the amount of plastics in our oceans and on our beaches is vital to protect marine
life and also to ensure that fish, and as a result the food chain, are not further contaminated
by plastics.”

“Ireland has led the way on the fight against plastic when it introduced the levy on plastic
bags in 2002, resulting in a 90% drop in the use of plastic bags in Ireland. We must continue
to drive the agenda, particularly as an island nation, surrounded by magnificent fishing waters
and beautiful beaches, to change habits when it comes to plastics in our lives.”
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FOTA HOUSE & GARDENS IRISH SPECIALIST NURSERY
ASSOCIATION PLANT FAIR

On Sunday, 16th September 2018, Fota House & Gardens will host the Irish Specialist Nurs-
ery Association Plant Fair.

The #ISNA was established to represent the smaller, specialised nurseries in Ireland. These
nurseries offer a wide variety of plants, services and advice. Most of the stock that they pro-
duce is propagated by themselves or sourced from other artisan producers. They offer a large
selection of plants ranging from the more common species to the rare and obscure cultivars
not normally found in the bigger retail outlets in Ireland.
The Fair will run from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and catering facilities will be available in Fota
House and on site throughout the day.

Tickets available on the gate only.
Admission €5.00 including Car Parking.
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