Rural families who arrange a clean-up of the areas around their homes and farms could win one of five holiday vouchers worth a total of €6,000.

This is all part of the IFA’s campaign to address the issue of litter dumping in rural Ireland. The organisation recently conducted a survey of its members, which found that 60% are concerned about rural dumping.

Out of all those surveyed, 95% supported the introduction of stronger penalties for anyone who dumps litter from their car on rural roadside verges and 40% had rubbish dumped on their lands in the previous 12 months.

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For the month of April, as part of the 2015 Rural Spring Clean Initiative, the IFA, in association with the Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG), is encouraging members to organise a clean-up of the roadside verges around their farms.

IFA deputy president and countryside chairman, Tim O’Leary, complimented the work farm families have been doing to keep their areas clean and added that it’s important that the problem of roadside littering is taken seriously.

“Littering by passing motorists is a real issue in rural Ireland. The Department of Environment must step up its action in this area by introducing tougher penalties and ensuring that local authorities more effectively implement litter laws,” said Mr O’Leary.

He also complimented the thousands of farm families who are regularly carrying out clean-up work in their area to benefit not just themselves, but the entire community.

The competition is being run in association with the Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG).

“IFFPG is delighted to be part of this initiative, which plays an important part in keeping our countryside tidy.

“Farmers have a long record of supporting the recycling activity of IFFPG and I have no doubt that they will also support the Rural Spring Clean,” said IFFPG chairman Michael Slattery.

REWARDING INITIATIVE

Generous holiday vouchers are up for grabs for the winners, with first prize valued at €2,500, second prize at €1,500, third prize at €1,000, and fourth and fifth place getting vouchers of €500 each.

To win, conduct your clean-up during the month of April, then register your activity by 30 April on www.ifacountryside.ie. Add your contact details and upload the before and after photos of your clean-up.

The IFA is looking for entries that represent a real community effort.

It’s not about the biggest clean-up, but the ones that make an impact on the community, for example, tackling a local eyesore, or a number of farm families making a combined effort.

Mr O’Leary also wished to remind members that any incidents of illegal dumping should be reported to their local authorities firstly and also the EPA via a 24-hour confidential lo-call telephone number, 1850-365-121.