Grass-cutting procedures reviewed by council

By Mary Dennehy

THE council has come under fire this week for mowing around a dead cat while on grass-cutting duties in a Tallaght estate, a situation which has prompted the local authority to review its current procedures.

Last week, South Dublin County Council was criticised for cutting through 10 bags of dumped household waste while cutting the grass verge on the Old Court Road – and leaving the shredded rubbish behind.

This week, the council’s grass-cutting and litter-picking operations have been criticised again after residents living in Raheen, Tallaght, spoke of their ongoing problems with illegal dumping in their area – which is creating an influx of mice, and a serious health and safety issue.

Locals have criticised the council for not removing waste while on grass-cutting duties on a public right of way in their area – with rubbish left behind or cut around.

Residents have also claimed that the council does not maintain the grass verge beside the pathway – which has resulted in thorns and nettles growing out onto the walkway, posing a danger to older residents and children and providing cover for bags of illegally dumped waste.

Resident Jean Hallahan, who has lived in Raheen for 34 years, told The Echo: “The council come up and skim around the centre of the green space, leaving the edges to overgrow.

“They never collect the rubbish, they just leave it there or cut around it.

“This is a public right of way that is used by a lot of people going to the bus or as a route out onto the main road and it’s disgraceful the condition it is in.

“That cat was left there for seven days despite being reported and when the council came to do the grass, they cut around it.

“In this heat, a dead cat left lying in a public space is a health and safety hazard and we’ve already had an influx of mice in our homes.

“We didn’t have mice for more than 30 years and then between March and October of 2015 I caught 58 in my house.
“If this degree of dumping and mismanagement of this green space by the council continues, it will be a rat influx next.”

She added: “I understand that the council is not responsible for the dumping, but in the interest of health and safety they have a responsibility to remove these bags of household waste when reported.

“What are we paying our property tax for? Despite most people on my street paying property tax the service has just gotten worse – so bad that the residents have to tackle the overgrowth and cut it back themselves.

“We feel pretty neglected by the council and something has to change to make this walkway safe.”

This week, a spokeswoman for the council said: “I can confirm that the dead cat at Raheen has recently been removed by the council, and that in line with council procedure, it is customary to undertake a litter-pick in advance of grass cutting.

“There are varying crews within council departments who are assigned various tasks, and in some instances contractors may also be engaged by the council to undertake certain works.

“Given recent incidents reported, we are currently reviewing recent actions and procedures followed.”

Tallaght Central councillor Charlie O’Connor told The Echo: “Sometimes the council can be very quick to respond to reports of litter.

“However, in general they do need to adopt a quicker approach.

“Not only is this level of dumping an eyesore for communities, but a dead cat and bags of household waste left lying in the sun is not healthy.”