Athenry News and Views, Letters to the Editor, May 2007

A Cleaner Heritage Town

Dear Editor,

As the only Community News medium in Athenry, I appeal for your assistance in highlighting a pending disaster i.e. the downfall of Athenry.

A Market town established in 1241 or so the sign said before it was vandalised, ripped down and thrown in somebody’s garden.

A “Blow-In” I may be, just like the ever-increasing population of the town, but a “Blow-in” who loves Athenry and has pride in all that it holds. “Low lie the Fields of Athenry”…due to the weight of our massive litter and dirt problem. The song should now go: What is happening and what are we going to do about it?

I’m a walker and dog owner, and I spend much time walking the town streets, and I’m frankly shocked by what I’m seeing. The filth of the town is an embarrassment, a tragedy and disrespectful to the history of Athenry.

The town is steeped in historic treasures, and yet we appear to disregard and have little pride in our environs. Litter is strewn everywhere: bottles, cans, food containers and the odd dead animal. You name it and it’s there. Some of our footpaths are almost impassable as people leave their dog waste as opposed to disposing of it- disgusting. Our one (obviously inadequate in size) Bottle Bank is constantly being used as a household waste disposal facility, this despite several signs warning of fines etc.

A Heritage town it may be, but where is the heritage displayed in the eclectic array of tacky signage that is slowly taking over the walls of local businesses?

Stop! Stop! Stop! I appeal to those who feel the same to act.

Yes, the Community Council and Galway County Council have roles, but we, the residents also have a role. Get out there, arrange a clean-up, lobby those with responsibility, take pride and stop the filth and decay of this special place.

Denise.

A concerned resident of Athenry. (Full name and address with the Editor)