Task force rolls into Carlow to tackle sticky problem
A taskforce to tackle the scurge of gum litter was rolled out in Carlow town
CARLOW County Council has welcomed the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) 2026 Summer Roadshow, which stopped off in Carlow town as part of ongoing efforts to keep the county’s streets and public spaces looking their best.
Run in partnership with the council, the roadshow is all about getting people to bin their gum properly, cut down on litter and back Carlow’s wider environmental plans.
The visit comes as new research from the taskforce shows that more than four in five (82%) young people now think littering is socially unacceptable. Still, nearly one in four don’t actually see chewing gum as litter.
There’s good news too: more than nine in 10 people (92%) now say they dispose of their gum correctly. That’s the highest figure since the campaign started back in 2007.
Welcoming the roadshow, mayor of Carlow cllr Ken Murnane said Carlow takes real pride in its environment.
“Initiatives like the Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow are important in encouraging small actions that make a big difference,” he said. “By reminding people to dispose of their gum responsibly, we can help keep Carlow clean, welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. I would encourage everyone to play their part in keeping our streets and public spaces looking their best.” Cian Maddon, executive engineer of Carlow Municipal District, said keeping the county clean is a priority for the council and for local communities.
“From our town centres to our parks and local amenities, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness makes a real difference to how people experience and take pride in their surroundings,” he said.
“Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce support this work by raising awareness of the impact of littering and helping to reduce the need for costly gum removal. We are encouraging everyone in Carlow to play their part by binning their gum and helping to keep our county looking its best.”
