‘Appalled at the level of illegal dumping’ in area

A COUNCILLOR has urged people to “take personal responsibility” in relation to illegal dumping around Tallaght.

Fianna Fáil councillor Teresa Costello recently visited locations around her constituency, including Sean Walsh Park and a green space in St Dominic’s, and encountered dumping.

She told The Echo about her frustration with the issue, but also commended the work of local volunteer groups who try to tackle littering in the area.

“During the week, I visited a few places within Tallaght Central and was appalled at the level of dumping,” Cllr Costello said.

“[There were] bags of rubbish in Sean Walsh Park thrown into trees, piles of dirty nappies, domestic waste left beside litter bins.

“We have so many community groups, residents and Tidy Towns volunteers who volunteer their time to keep our community clean.

“It’s frustrating but also very unfair to see this level of disregard for our community.

“We all must take personal responsibility – it is simply just not acceptable to dump and expect others to clean up.”

As reported in The Echo last April, South Dublin County Council spends an average of €1.4m every year to remove illegally dumped waste around the county.

The council stated that it removes, on average, a total of 5,500 tonnes of illegally dumped waste and the cost of its removal includes collection, transportation and waste disposal at a licensed facility.

A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council previously told The Echo they would be “very appreciative” of information from members of the public about illegal dumping.

The council can be contacted about this issue by phone on 01-4149000 or via email at info@sdublincoco.ie.