Anger at dumping household rubbish and ‘blatant fly-tipping’

DUMPING of household rubbish and “blatant fly-tipping” is trending upwards, with a councillor calling for the council to step-up prosecutions of those found to be engaging in the activity in estates.

Cllr William Joseph Carey (Sinn Féin) has condemned a small group of people and “rogue builders” who have been found to be dumping their waste at an estate in Bawnogue, Clondalkin.

Residents in Lealand were “distraught” after finding their work conducting community clean-ups had been undone by “selfish” people who have “a total disregard for the community at large”, according to the Clondalkin councillor.

“It would seem that there are some rogue individuals who think this is an easy way for them to avoid their responsibilities, but I am calling on SDCC to take prosecutions against those who are responsible for the dumping,” Cllr Carey said.

“I believe there is evidence available with the council, of vehicles unloading materials at these spots.

“I would urge SDCC to use this evidence to prosecute and punish those who flagrantly break the law and ensure that heavy fines are issued.”

Cllr Carey claims that some builders and contractors are dumping building materials at the entrance to the estate.

The issue of illegal dumping was raised at the recent full meeting of South Dublin County Council (SDCC), with councillors calling for the installation of cameras at litter black spots.

However, the council explained that a Data Protection Impact Assessment needs to be carried out at each location where security cameras are to be installed, which poses a challenge to resources for the council.

The council said it could put up fake cameras as a deterrent for now.

Since, at the recent Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting, Cllr Carey called for the installation of signage at key locations to act as a deterrent and says “this has not happened yet”.

“Members of Lealand Residents’ Association have been engaged in community clean ups over the past couple of weeks aimed at collecting loose discarded litter,” Cllr Carey explained.

“This is done in an effort to raise the conscience of people towards managing their waste and raising a level of awareness in their environment.

“However, all this work is being undone by an uncaring few who have latched upon the opportunity to engage in a practice of discarding rubbish at collection points meant to enable the community effort.”