More than 110,000 looking a bit ‘flushed’

“Our message is simple: only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet.”

Those were the words of Ian O’Mahony from Irish Water as along with Clean Coasts they urged the public to continue to Think Before You Flush.

It comes as a recent survey revealed more than 110,000 people living in Cork continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet.

With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment, Irish Water said.

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is supporting the campaign, said: “I am delighted to support the Think Before You Flush campaign.

“For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment.”

Speaking more about the survey results, Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water added: “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Irish Water have been working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the Think Before You Flush campaign and during this time, we have made significant progress, as this figure has now reduced to 21%. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference to our natural environment - put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet.”

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said: “1 in 5 adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet.

“By making small changes in our flushing behaviour, we can prevent the harm caused by sewage related litter in our marine environment. We are asking everybody to only flush the 3 Ps – pee, poo, and paper - and put everything else in the bin.”