He said Tidy Town groups should not have to pick up litter after the public

Labour Senator Mark Wall has urged care and collective responsibility in Kildare and beyond to tackle littering during the spell of good weather.

Senator Wall commented: “The local community and Kildare Council are working hard to keep on top of litter all year around, but once the sun shines we have the same experience every year.

"People get lazy and forgetful and we are all too familiar with the sight of litter across public areas in the mornings.

“I’m urging people to take pride in their local area and remember to leave no rubbish behind as they enjoy the great outdoors.

"Tidy Towns and community groups in Kildare do trojan work to keep the show on the road, but it’s not good enough that these volunteers are out picking up after revellers.

“Politicians have more to do too. I have urged this Government to up the resources given to Councils nationwide to make it easier for people to dispose of their waste after meeting outdoors.

"We need to see more litter bins, particularly in popular congregation areas," he insisted.

“More and more, people want to enjoy the great outdoors but it’s no secret that Ireland is utterly ill equipped for this. Government must assign increased funding to all local authorities for investment in public toilets and street furniture.

“Public toilets are essential and long overdue in communities throughout the country. Moreover, the provision of toilet and seating facilities is an equality issue; for older persons, those with young children, those without money to spend in private enterprise, and those with a disability, access to a toilet can be the difference between cities being accessible or not.

“Following the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism’s report yesterday, there’s also a clear need to ensure that all people can enjoy community spaces. Labour would like to see sensory play areas made available in playgrounds, as well as accessible seating for people with disabilities.

“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have had years to look at how we use our community spaces, but no vision is forthcoming. Volunteers in Kildare and throughout the country do their level best to keep the place looking spick and span, but the time has come for increased funding and attention to our great outdoors.”