The streets of Galway aren’t as sticky as they used to be — thanks to the Gum Litter Taskforce, whose work has seen a 70 per cent reduction in chewing gum stuck to the path.

But the battle goes on — and last week the GLT took to the streets of Athenry as part of its Summer Roadshow campaign to promote positive gum litter disposal.

The GLT collaborated with Galway County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine.

A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaign’s sixth cycle.

The GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70 per cent since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign.

And according to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6 per cent of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4 per cent in 2006, and 9.1 per cent in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle.

However, according to the latest research, one in twelve admit that they still drop their gum on the ground — with men more than twice as likely to do so than women. This highlights the continued importance of the campaign.

The Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr. Martina Kinane was on hand to support the Roadshow in Athenry.

“The Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment,” she said.

This year’s roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties this summer — and in October the GLT campaign will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country to stamp out street gum.

Pictured: Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr Martina Kinane at the launch of the Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign with (front, from left) Marie Cafferkey, Athenry Tidy Towns; Angela Quinn and Laura Mullins, Galway County Council, and Jim Reidy, Athenry Tidy Towns, and (back) Galway County Council’s Mark Molloy, Christopher Harrington and Thomas O’Sullivan.

ATU and Tuam business Cormac Tagging has collaborated to launch a new Agri-Business Management Scholarship in the Mountbellew campus.

This scholarship of €3,000 provides meaningful financial support to incoming students entering the Agri-Business Management programme for the coming academic year and serves to ensure students feel encouraged and supported throughout their studies in ATU.

Cormac Tagging is an Irish-owned family business based in Tuam, supplying Department of Agriculture and Marine-approved identification products for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for first-year students to be supported as they begin their journey in agri-business management. Collaborations like this show the real impact of industry and education working together to invest in the future of agriculture,” said Mountbellew Agricultural College Principal Dr Edna Curley.

Dr Seamus Lennon, Head of School of Business, welcomed this scholarship and sees it as a recognition of the importance of this innovative programme which is co-delivered by Mountbellew Agricultural College and ATU.

Michael Gill Head of Department of Organisational Development extended “Míle Buíochas” to all the parties involved in making this happen.

“We look forward to welcoming our new scholarship recipients and continuing to strengthen the ties between our academic community and the agri-business world,” he said.

To be eligible for consideration for the scholarship you must be a registered first year student of the Agri-Business Management programme (AU606 / AU506) and attending the relevant programme of study.

Further details on the application process for the scholarship will be provided on the Mountbellew Agricultural College website once the programme commences in September 2025.

For more information about the Agri-Business Management programme, see: Agri-Business Management – Atlantic Technological University.

Pictured: At the announcement of ATU Mountbellew Agricultural College Agri Business Management Scholarship were ( from left) Dr Edna Curley, Principal of Mountbellew Agricultural College, Ursula Kelly, MD of Cormac Tagging, sponsors of the Scholarship, Michael Gill, Head of Department – Organisational Development – ATU Castlebar Co. Mayo and Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU.

Naomh Breandán Credit Union has launched the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme in Loughrea.

This innovative scheme provides affordable financing options to support energy upgrade projects in homes throughout the region.

Members who are specifically interested in solar panels can benefit from a Solar Panel Loan offered at a highly competitive interest rate.

Comprehensive details on both loan types are available on the website www.naomhbreandancu.ie or by calling 091/841773 to speak with a Loans Officer.

The loan scheme was launched at a  a Home Energy Grant Information Session hosted by Naomh Breandan Credit Union, in partnership with Sustainable Energy West (SEW), recently,

The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared their expertise and personal experiences.

Among them were Josephine Maguire from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), who provided an overview of available grants; William Dervan, who discussed financing options offered at Naomh Breandán Credit Union; and Geraldine Murray, who offered valuable insights into the process of retrofitting a derelict home in collaboration with a one-stop-shop.

The session featured engaging presentations on the benefits of home energy upgrades, emphasising cost savings, improved comfort, and environmental impact. Local energy providers attended, alongside schools and community groups showcasing their sustainability projects.

Notable projects included St Joseph’s National School, Woodford’s ‘Green Home,’ and Youth Reach’s ‘Waste Management Project 2025’.

The event demonstrated the collaborative efforts of Loughrea and nearby communities towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient future.

Pictured at the Home Energy Grant Information Session hosted by Naomh Breandán Credit Union in Loughrea were (from left): Dr Orla Ní Suibhne, SEAI Mentor; Tatiana Kelly, Director, Naomh Breandán Credit Union; Josephine Maguire, SEAI; Brendan Jenkins, President of Irish League of Credit Unions; Catherine Hynes, Chairperson, Naomh Breandán Credit Union, Loughrea; and David McDonnell, CEO, Naomh Breandán Credit Union.