€10m cost to clear up illegal waste dumping
By James Kelly
SOUTH Dublin County Council has spent over €10 million removing waste from illegal dumping since bin charges were introduced in 2011, reports James Kelly.
According to the council, in 2018, the local authority spent €1,406,865 to collect and dispose of illegally dumped waste in the county.
Rubbish in Knockmore
Councillor Mark Ward (SF) asked the council this week for a report on the financial costs of removing illegal dumping.
He also reiterated calls for the bin services to return to council control.
Cllr Ward said: “The figure of over €10 million to remove illegal dumping from our county whilst shocking is not surprising.”
Cllr Ward has asked for a temporary bin waiver to be introduced and also for the re-introduction of a large junk collection scheme.
“Consumers do not get value for money and the local authority is left cleaning up the mess to the tune of €10 million.
Rubbish on Coldcut Road
“This is the money that could be better spent improving our areas by investing in community infrastructure such as playgrounds, parks and environmental projects.”
In response to Cllr Ward, the council provided a breakdown of costs for the last seven years, which included estimates for 2012-13, prior to the establishment of Public Realm Section during 2013.
The council said: “This has given better control and more accurate recording of expenditure on the various work programmes involved since that date.”
