Fury over dumping at boarded-up houses
By Aideen O'Flaherty
ISSUES with illegal dumping at the location of two privately-owned, boarded-up houses in Raheen in Tallaght have caused anger among local residents, with one councillor describing it as an “appalling state of affairs”.
Solidarity councillor for Tallaght Central, Mick Murphy, tabled a motion at Monday’s monthly meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee, about two houses in Raheen Court that have been boarded up since they were burnt out in a fire last July, and have become a magnet for illegal dumping.
The houses in Raheen attract illegal dumpers
In his motion, Cllr Murphy said: “Having met with the owners of [the houses] in relation to dumping at these properties, they have agreed to clean it up yet again and secure the site which they expect to sell later this year once a bank takes the lien off it.
“Can the council assist by putting a camera looking in at the side of [the houses] which has a public laneway beside it, to see can we determine who is dumping this rubbish into that property?
“Can the council attend when the waste is being removed to go through the waste to see can they find who owns it?”
Explaining the reaction that Raheen residents have had to the condition of the boarded-up houses and the illegal dumping around the properties, Cllr Murphy said: “They’re very angry. The fire happened last July, so it’s a very appalling state of affairs [that the houses are still in that condition].
“It’s become a saga that we’re engaged in.”
In response to Cllr Murphy’s motion, South Dublin County Council stated: “The properties that are the subject of the motion are currently being monitored by South Dublin County Council under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
“Notices pursuant to Section 11 of the Act were served on the owner requiring certain works to be carried out and the high level of co-operation by the owner in this regard is acknowledged.
“It is noted that there is ongoing dumping in the rear gardens of the properties.
“The use of CCTV to monitor activity on private property does not accord with the council’s CCTV protocols – CCTV footage would require corroborating witness testimony for enforcement action to be taken.
“The council’s litter wardens can attend on-site, by advance arrangement, when waste is being removed and will examine it for evidence. Where evidence is identified, Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued.”
