Old Court illegal dumping prompts cry out for action
By Mary Dennehy
CALLS have been made for South Dublin County Council to come down heavy on illegal dumpers, after the scenic area of Old Court was destroyed once again by dumped loads of household, industrial and construction waste.
Old Court Road and Old Court Lane has become a hot spot for illegal dumping, which is impacting negatively on those walking and living in the area and the vibrant wildlife which inhabits the country lane and its stream.
Some of the items dumped in the area in recent days included household waste, wooden pallets, furniture, toys, carpet, clothes and a large number of industrial plastic containers.
When contacted by The Echo, Teresa Walsh, the council’s Director of Environment, Water and Climate Change, said: “The council was informed that a large amount of illegally dumped materials were deposited in the vicinity of Old Court Road and Old Court Lane.
“It is believed that the dumping occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 7 and an investigation is currently being carried out by the council’s litter wardens and public realm sections.
“The majority of the dumped material is on private lands and we are making contact with the relevant land owners.
“Material on the public road and on public land has been removed by the council.”
When asked about the council’s surveillance of this area, Ms Walsh said: “This location is regularly inspected every two to three days by the council’s litter wardens.
“We are also examining the installation of demountable CCTV in the area.”
Sinn Féin councillor for Templeogue/Terenure Enda Fanning lodged a complaint with the council in relation to illegal dumping in Old Court on March 24.
He told The Echo: “There is an onus on members of the public not to be dumping illegally.
“However, I don’t think the council takes enough action in relation to illegal dumping.
“There is no deterrent for people, these dumpers are not frightened of being caught.
“I also think we need rubbish removed quicker. When it’s left lying around it turns areas like Old Court into a kind of zone for illegal dumping, people think they’re entitled to dump here.”
He added: “The council needs to be up there catching people and taking action, and publicising these actions.
“We also need more joined-up thinking between the council and elected members and an awareness campaign locally encourages the public to report incidents of illegal dumping.”
Call the council on 01-4149000 if you witness any incidents of dumping.
