Volunteers attired in high viz jackets and gloves, armed with litter pickers and bags, often active in early morning and late evening, are a regular sight on our roadsides and streets these days. These tireless individuals devote long hours to keeping our environment clean by picking litter discarded by others. Their work was recognised by Cork County Council at its recent Anti-Litter Challenge awards, held at County Hall on Monday September 23rd and attended by over 140 community representatives from towns and villages across the county. 

The competition originated in the 1990s and brings an element of friendly inter-community competition to the ongoing problem of dealing with litter. Twenty towns and sixty-six villages across Cork entered in 2024 and their streets, footpaths and roads were judged over six weeks in May and June. Each place that entered was scored based on the presence of litter and those with the highest scores received special recognition and a coveted ‘county title. 

Chair of Cork County Older People’s Council, Liz Downes added, “Older people want to remain in their homes and if this is not possible, remain in their community.  Projects like this are crucial in making this a reality, as they help to design housing that supports older people staying connected to their homes and communities.”

Although the designs were not intended for actual construction, the initiative provided valuable experience for the students. Over the course of the project, students undertook site visits and met with Technical Representatives, Town Planners and Architects from Cork County Council who offered advice and support.

An exhibition showcasing the students work is now open to the public at Cork County Hall, Carrigrohane Road from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday until the 11th of October.