New ‘weather station’ and ‘anti-dog fouling’ initiatives launched at Enagh Youth Forum

PICTURED ABOVE . . . ENAGH FORUM'S NEW INITIATIVES . . . Group pictured from Enagh Youth Forum on Tuesday evening launching two new environmental initiatives in the local community - a 'Weather Station' and 'Anti Dog-Fouling' campaign. The initiatives are part of a 'Safer, Cleaner and Greener' project funded and supported by the Housing Executive through the 'Sustaining Tenancies' and 'Small Pockets of Deprivation' Programmes in conjunction with the Forum. Included are Paul Hughes, Enagh Youth Forum, Linda Sharkey, Housing Executive, Michelle Hayden and Louise Doherty, Enagh Youth Forum, local residents and councillors, Janice Montgomery, Julie Middleton and Alex Duffy. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Never a group to ‘stand still’ and wanting to amplify their part for a Safer, Cleaner and Greener project, funded and supported by the Housing Executive through the 'Sustaining Tenancies' Project, Enagh Youth Forum has undertaken two further innovative environmental initiatives.

These include the installation of a localised weather station, located at Parkmore Drive in Strathfoyle; which monitors and records temperature, wind speed, rainfall, humidity and pollution particulates.

There will also be a mobile app linked to this where local tenants can view the weather forecast and other data for the Strathfoyle and Greater Enagh area.

The innovative group also recently launched an anti-dog fouling campaign focusing on the local Strathfoyle Greenway. This includes providing local dog owners with dog poo bags as well as promoting the message 'Bag It & Bin It' to run alongside the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s message of 'Bag The Poo or an £80 Fine for You!’

Grace Carr Dixon, representing the Enagh Youth Forum Junior Youth Committee who are helping to coordinate the 'Anti-Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign' in Strathfoyle, said: "Dog fouling is a big issue not just in Stathfoyle but everywhere but I believe that if we all try to do more to help raise awareness as a community; it can help make a positive difference."

Junior Committee Chair Kian Hawes said: "I would like to thank all the local councillors, DCSDC dog warden and PCSP rural warden for helping us to launch this important campaign in the local area. Its everyone's responsibility to help keep Strathfoyle Clean, Green & Safe." 

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday evening, Enagh Youth Forum’s Paul Hughes said: "This is an important awareness campaign in the local community that seeks to highlight this prevalent issue and hopefully, will help eradicate dog-fouling in the local area."

Mr. Hughes also set out an appeal for volunteers to help with the annual clean up.

"Enagh Youth Forum are seeking volunteers to get involved with the annual Strathfoyle 'One Big Clean Up Week' which takes place this year from Monday 24th - Saturday 29th June."

Local residents and young people are asked to help out during the week with litter clean-ups, graffiti removal and community planting projects.

To register your interest in volunteering contact Enagh Youth Forum on (028) 71860751.