Cleaning up the country

Madam, – The quantity of litter at roadsides in Co Wicklow has increased dramatically this spring

Madam, – The quantity of litter at roadsides in Co Wicklow has increased dramatically this spring. Recently, the Glen of the Downs section of the N11 was strewn with rubbish, presumably thrown from car windows. Minor roads in north Co Wicklow are lined with discarded food packaging and drink cans.

If we are to attract more tourism, not to mention avoid a plague of rats on top of all our other problems, it is important that this nuisance be addressed immediately. Perhaps our new energetic Minister for Tourism and renewably energised Minister for the Environment can be persuaded to mount a co-ordinated campaign to clear litter and enforce the littering laws?

If shortage of money restricts action, the sentencing of offenders to community service cleaning roadsides would save wages. Maybe those so convicted could wear reflective jackets with their names printed clearly on the back. – Yours, etc,

PETER WACHMAN,

Ashford, Co Wicklow.