‘Disgusting’ rubbish found in local parks and estates
By Brendan Grehan
Illegal dumping in Clondalkin continues to be a problem with domestic rubbish found in estates and parks this week, described by one councillor as “disgusting”.
The illegal dumping in two estates has been highlighted by two local Councillors with a video and photographs posted on social media.
On Tuesday, Councillor Mark Ward uploaded a video of illegal dumping in Shancastle. In the video you can see burnt-out mattresses, childrens buggies, discarded childrens toys and piles of burnt bottles and alcohol cans.
Councillor Ward told The Echo: “I decided to put up the video as this is an ongoing problem. I know that the Council are dealing with it at the moment. It is absolutely disgusting to see the rubbish that is here. This path is used by local kids who are going to school.”
Figures released by South Dublin County Council in December show that 4,680 complaints were lodged last year in relation to illegal dumping, whereas the figures for complaints in 2017 climbed to 6,703.
These complaints cover issues raised in relation to litter, illegal dumping, unauthorised signage and dog fouling.
In 2016, 436 fixed penalty notices were issued for littering offences, while in 2017 that number reached 544.
Cllr Ward is calling on South Dublin County Council to prosecute all instances of illegal dumping.
He said: “I do think that illegal dumping should be prosecuted with the full rigour of the law.”
Over in St Cuthbert’s Park, Councillor Francis Timmons posted photos of illegal dumping, including household appliances, beer cans and bags of rubbish.
Cllr Timmons says it’s a small minority who are responsible.
He said: “There can be no excuse for dumping no one likes paying for rubbish disposal but it is not excessive, less than two packets of cigarettes or 3 pints would pay for it. It is disgusting and vile and attracting rodents to our area, its time for these people to cop on’.”
A CCTV system is now being developed for the area which will be incorporated with the Clondalkin Village CCTV community scheme.
Cllr Timmons added: ‘’Following my representation The Litter warden has been out to St Cuthbert’s Park and the items are scheduled for removal.’’
