Contest to transform rubbish into art

BORROWING T.S. Eliot's lines, "Clear the Air! Clean the Sky! Wash the Wind!", a Dublin businessman has initiated a competition to turn rubbish into art.

Mr Jim McNaughton, of TileStyle Ltd, pointed out that nearly two million tonnes of domestic and commercial refuse were dumped in Ireland last year, and said he had decided to do something about it.

"People in Third World countries are surviving by recycling rubbish we throw away or take for granted, using it to make essential agricultural tools, household implements and toys."

So Mr McNaughton came up with the idea of an "Art of Rubbish" competition, to improve the environment, make people think about what they throw away and to create job opportunities in recycling.

He said there had been "huge interest" in the competition, particularly from the corporate sector. The winning entries are to be shown on RTE's Kenny Live programme in February.

There are four categories - schools and corporate, as well as "most innovative" and "art item".

Further information from TileStyle, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, telephone (01) 8555200.