Posted on April 27, 2021
A NEW vessel has begun collecting large amounts of debris like plastic, cans and bottles from Dublin city’s waterways.
The Liffey Sweeper, launched by the Irish Nautical Trust, is the latest addition to the capital’s nautical fleet.
And it is part of the River Liffey Cleaning Project, the brainchild of Irish Nautical Trust Director Jimmy Murray, whose ambition is to remove all floating debris from the Liffer, the Dodder and the Tolka estuary.
Jimmy explained: “This is an ecological and environmental development research project which has been designed over the last two years to help prevent the accumulation of all non-natural debris such as plastics, cans and disposable coffee cups, and to stop it getting into the sea and the Dublin Bay biosphere, where it affects marine wildlife.”
The Liffey Sweeper will initially operate four days a week, sweeping from the upper part of the River Liffey at Butt Bridge to the mouth of the River and Clontarf area, including the basins and all the shipping berths within Dublin Port.
Its deep cage is able to catch a range of material from the water, including floating plastic and debris just below the surface.
Once lifted from the water, debris is separated and sorted into designated recycling bins.
Other items that can’t be recycled is removed by a licenced contractor for treatment before disposal at the Covanta Waste to Energy Treatment Plant on Poolbeg while any organic matter collected is returned to the water.
Jimmy also urged people to leave no trace while enjoying the amenities of Dublin Bay.
“We’ve noticed more disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles and food packaging appearing in the River during lockdown.
“With bank holiday weekends and the summer months approaching, I would really encourage people to plan ahead and be prepared to bring your rubbish home.
“Everyone’s contribution adds up and can make a difference.”
