Illegal dumping blackspots cause infestation of rats in Clondalkin estate
By Maurice Garvey
RATS have made an unwelcome reappearance in the Clondalkin neighbourhood.
Sightings of rodents have been discovered beside illegally dumped domestic rubbish in parts of Bawnogue, near the Swallows Pub.
The location is not far from Kilcronan, which last year, suffered a serious health scare, after a resident’s camera footage showed parts of Kicronan Court overrun with rodents.
“It’s the same thing as last year,” said Sinn Féin Councillor Mark Ward.
“They are attracted by household rubbish left on the side of the road. In fairness to South Dublin County Council, they got really good at cleaning up litter, and you can see the benefits.
“The cause of the problem is the behaviour of a few impacting the many. Bin charges are not an excuse, not when you see tyres and sofas dumped in the area, which youths will set alight.”
Teresa Walsh, Director of Environment SDCC said: “Parts of Bawnogue and St Cuthbert’s have illegal dumping blackspots which the council monitor closely and remove any illegally dumped material regularly. The most recent complaint was received on July 31. The litter warden attended the site on July 31, illegally dumped bags were inspected, no evidence for prosecution purposes was found, and the bags were removed by the council.
“The litter warden was on site again this morning [Wednesday] and 10 bags were found, inspected and removed. A number of bags contained green waste.”
It is difficult to obtain evidence and the SDCC encourages residents to support their efforts to identify alleged polluters and provide information to allow appropriate enforcement action.
Cllr Ward’s proposal to use drones to combat illegal dumping, was approved in June, and he is looking for a pilot drone scheme to include Bawnogue.
With regard to plans for €35k of CCTV in St Cuthbert’s Park, Ward said SDCC are waiting for gardai to get back to them with a coordinated plan.
