Fr. Charlie issues Reek litter plea

THE issue of littering on Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, has been highlighted by Westport-based priest Fr. Charlie McDonnell.

Writing on his Facebook page on Monday, Fr. Charlie urged people climbing the Reek to 'leave no trace' and bring their rubbish home with them.

He posted: 'Last Saturday there was a very large group of people on Croagh Patrick. On Saturday evening they left the summit in a clean state.

'Yesterday (Sunday) the crowds were no bigger, however the state that those on the mountain yesterday left the summit in, and possibly other areas too, was regrettable to say the least.

'I am referring only to the church area on the summit. I don't pay staff to pick up rubbish yet they had to spend today doing it on the summit when they had other work to be doing.

'Would people who visit the mountain over the summer please leave no trace and bring their rubbish with them.

'Many thousands of people use the mountain every year and that's mighty but if everyone leaves the place as they find it the experience will be even better. Thank you.'

There was great support for his pleas on Facebook, with the post shared over 450 times by lunchtime today.

Messages of support from Facebook friends included the following:

'Hear hear! If you can carry it up full you can carry it down empty – simple!'

'Well said....and no hiding rubbish under stones.'

'Amen to that Charlie.'

'Nice post. I am always surprised when doing the litter pickup with Castlebar Tidy Towns around Lough Lannagh how much rubbish is thrown out in such a beautiful place. Sad to see this on the Reek. We can all do better.'