Statistics
| Area (hectares) |
183,710 |
| Population (1996) |
76,607 |
| Sligo County Council population |
58,178 |
| Miles of road |
2,643.8 km |
Phase 1 (Set-Up Phase)
The Litter Warden identified Potential Litter Generators by means of visual surveys, this was carried out in 2000. The identification of Potential Litter Generators took approximately one month to complete. These sites were plotted to produce Litter Generation Potential Maps. This phase proved difficult due to a software problem in trying to link the interface with the maps. With the help of technical support from the LGCSB and TES Consulting Engineers this problem was rectified.
Phase 2 (Survey Phase)
The Benchmark Phase was completed in 2001. Phase III Surveys commenced in May 2002. Sligo County Council had 37 Litter Pollution Surveys to carry out and eight Litter Quantification Surveys. These survey sites were determined by use of the GIS software, this software located hotspots and choose survey sites at random. Maps were printed of the proposed survey areas.
The results from the Litter Quantification Survey were then inputted into an Excel spreadsheet. This package produced a summary of survey results, which categorises litter by percentage composition e.g. packaging litter composition. Litter Pollution Survey results, were inputted in the Access database. This database produced a Litter Pollution Index; this index indicates the severity and extent of the littering observed at that location. The database also records useful information such as causative factors contributing to litter pollution in a particular survey area.
Results from both sets of surveys were e-mailed to the Litter Monitoring Body.
Sligo County Council realise that once the system is up and running it is user friendly, its advantageous to source information about a particular region as outlined above and to act on it. They found that by using information from a survey area, such as the most common type of litter and the primary causative factor, curative action can be taken.
The following are a few simple features of the Litter Monitoring System that Sligo County Council found to be of benefit:
- It helps to identify areas that need attention.
- It helps to understand the pattern of litter and acts as an aid in identifying methods of tackling litter.
- It is easy to compare locations between different periods and therefore monitor its progress.
- Maps can be printed off marking off the exact 50m stretch, which has to be surveyed along with the hot-spot rating attached to it. This is an excellent aid to people who may not be familiar with a survey area.
Mr Matthew Byrne,
Sligo County Council,
Tel: (071) 56428
