On-the-spot fines for dumping bring council revenue of over €22,500

OVER 360 dumping-related fines were issued in the first ten months of the year by South Dublin County Council.

From January to October, the council issued 366 on-the-spot fines/fixed penalty notices.

Up to 142 fines were paid in full, totaling €21,300, whilst €1,495 in part-payments was also received, resulting in overall revenue received in relation to on-the-spot fines of €22,795.

Independent councillor Francis Timmons asked for a report on dumping, and revenue generated from fines issued this year, at the council meeting this week.

Last month, Cllr Timmons called for the establishment of a Bawnogue Tidy Towns group due to a recent surge in dumping in the area.

“We have seen the huge difference that other tidy towns have made to different parts of Clondalkin,” said Cllr Timmons.

A spokesperson for SDCC said “the number of fines issued is not a reflective indicator of successful enforcement activity.”

“For example during the period January to October 2016, a total of 1,758 complaints were received and investigated by our warden service. 124 cases for non-payment of fines have been referred for prosecution, and 39 cases were heard in court of which 23 were successful.”

The council says the warden service regularly patrols some areas three times weekly, and regularly visits premises to advise occupiers of their roles and responsibilities, often issuing verbal and written requests for the provision of waste receptacles.

Over 200 warning notices were issued so far this year.