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WATCH Team Limerick CleanUp 2023 celebrates an increase in popularity for its eighth year
Team Limerick CleanUp 2023 – For the eighth instalment of the initiative, volunteers were encouraged to bring a friend and new groups were welcomed. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Team Limerick CleanUp 2023 success is a testament to the people of Limerick
Cementing itself as Ireland’s largest one day clean-up event, Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC) returned bigger than ever for its 8th year on Good Friday. Over 21,500 volunteers across the city and county took part in this year’s event.
For the eighth instalment of the initiative, volunteers were encouraged to bring a friend and new groups were welcomed.
Proving to be gaining popularity year on year there was an increase in the number of schools taking part, with 85 schools involved in TLC8 and a 47% increase in business participation this year.
The groups varied greatly, from scout groups to men’s sheds, GAA clubs to rugby clubs, community councils and tidy towns – all areas were covered.
A huge part of the event is the tea and coffee gatherings afterwards, where each group is supplied with tea, coffee and hot cross buns at a location of their choice, where they can form new friendships, reconnect old ones, and reminisce on the day that has passed.
Commenting on this year’s event, Sponsor, JP McManus said: “Each year I am struck by the number of people who give up their time during the Easter weekend to clean up their city and county. I hope they get to enjoy their well-deserved rest with family and friends over a cup of tea after their huge efforts on the day. The event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of Limerick City & County Council, Mr. Binman and our media partners.”
TLC Co-Founder Paul O’Connell added: “It is brilliant to see the clean-up growing year on year. I wouldn’t have believed when talking over a cup of tea with Helen and JP all those years ago that the event would have grown to over 21,000 people taking part in 2023. It is a testament to the people of Limerick.”
Deputy Mayor Cllr Kieran O Hanlon said “By participating today every community is demonstrating care for our environment while also expressing pride in Limerick. This is a really meaningful initiative and I thank all the partners and volunteers involved.”
Team Limerick Clean-Up is an initiative sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick City and County Council. Endorsed by Paul O’Connell, the official partners include Mr Binman, The Limerick Leader, The Limerick Post, Live95, I Love Limerick, Elive, and Dunnes Stores.
TLC has seen over 400 tonnes of litter gathered from the streets by volunteers and event partner Mr. Binman since inception in 2015 – equating to over 14,500 household wheelie bins with overall participation figures over the 120,000-mark.
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick