526 abandoned vehicles reported in last 12 months

THERE are calls for more information regarding the process for vehicle disposal to be made more readily available to the public following reports that 526 vehicles were reported to South Dublin County Council in the last twelve months.

Sinn Féin Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh recently asked about the figures regarding the problem, stating that the problem with abandoned or end-of-life vehicles is becoming “increasingly evident”.

“This is not to be mistaken with cars that are simply off the road due to the ever-rising cost of living, which extends to fuel, insurance and maintenance costs, leaving many motorists unable to address running and associated costs of tax and insurance,” said Cllr Ó Brádaigh.

“In the last twelve months alone, 526 vehicles were reported to South Dublin County Council, and whilst this doesn’t represent the number of cars actually abandoned, it does highlight a problem. There are still significant numbers having to be removed, under investigation or a matter for the Gardai.”

The councillor went on to say that aside from the unnecessary cost to the council and the taxpayer, the problem is exasperated by the “relative ease” at which cheap cars are being purchased to rally and then discarded.

In other instances, owners are abandoning end-of-life vehicles because they are simply unaware of organised ways to dispose of and recycle them.

“Abandoned cars encroach upon public spaces but they are also a major environmental hazard and can attract anti-social behaviour, often being set alight,” Cllr Ó Brádaigh continued.

“Over time and as they decay, car batteries, tyres, paint and other components release hazardous substances into the environment. Oils, coolants and other fluids are toxic and dangerous when spilled and can seep into and contaminate groundwater.

“It would seem to me that not enough effort is directed toward better public awareness by the Minister for the Environment into the end-of-life disposal procedure option available to motorists, wishing to be rid of an old vehicle. I believe an advertisement campaign across multiple media channels would go a long way in encouraging people toward correct vehicle disposal and ultimately reducing these figures.”