Donegal County Council is paying tribute to the 5,500 volunteers in community groups and Tidy Towns Committees across the county.
The council says the collective effort of community volunteers, supported by litter wardens and other staff is helping the council realise the aim of making Donegal cleanest and greenest county in Ireland.
Over the past five years, Donegal’s six litter wardens, one assigned to each Municipal District, have issued a total of 250 litter and dog fouling fines, 39 of them last year.
In a written response to questions from Cllrs Fionan Bradley and Michael McClafferty, officials say while fines play a role in enforcement, they are just one part of a broader strategy to raise awareness and promote positive behaviour.
They add Education, community engagement, and visible partnerships with groups like Tidy Towns are equally important in reinforcing the message that keeping Donegal clean
is a shared responsibility. A strong and growing collaboration between the wardens and local Tidy Towns groups has contributed significantly to improved results they conclude, and this partnership has seen a steady year on-year increase in points awarded to towns across Donegal, a clear testament to the dedication and hard work of both the volunteers and the enforcement teams.
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Council response in full –
Over the past five years, Donegal’s six litter wardens, one assigned to each Municipal District, have issued a total of two hundred and fifty litter and dog fouling fines. Thirty-nine of these were issued in 2025.
While fines play a role in enforcement, they are just one part of a broader strategy to raise awareness and promote positive behaviour. Education, community engagement, and visible partnerships with groups like Tidy Towns are equally important in reinforcing the message that keeping Donegal clean is a shared responsibility. A strong and growing collaboration between the wardens and local Tidy Towns groups has contributed significantly to improved results. This partnership has seen a steady yearon-year increase in points awarded to towns across Donegal, a clear testament to the dedication and hard work of both the volunteers and the enforcement teams.
In addition, initiatives like the Big Donegal Clean-Up continue to play a vital role in keeping the county clean and green. We would also remind and encourage all business of their responsibilities under the Litter Pollution Act to keep the area around their business litter free. It is encouraging to see some of the food take away businesses out cleaning up
the footpaths in proximity to their premises.
It is also extremely important to recognise and thank the 5,500 volunteers in community groups and Tidy Towns Committees who work tirelessly in collaboration with the Council in our journey to ensuring that Donegal is the cleanest and greenest county in Ireland. The collective effort of community volunteers, supported by the litter wardens, is delivering tangible
results, and helping to foster a greater sense of pride and responsibility in our local environment.
