Mayo call to phase out single use plastic

An elected member of Mayo County Council has asked the authority to adopt a policy to phase out the use of single use plastic by 2023.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said this is to include permit holders for events, including markets and other activities on council-controlled land, to be prohibited from using single use plastic.

In relation to the procurement of materials for use by the council and contractors to the council, that the use of single use plastic is to be prohibited as part of the contract.

And he called on the council to incentivise businesses, schools, etc., in the county to adopt this policy in the operation of their businesses/schools.

The council is already proactive in this area, encouraging alternatives to single use plastics at festivals and events and having introduced bottle filler units in all its leisure centres, as well as working with the schools.