Residents furious over ‘vile unbearable smell’
By Aideen O'Flaherty
LUCAN residents, and parents whose children were attending a summer camp in Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club, complained of a “vile, unbearable smell” in the area in recent weeks, which it is believed is being caused by rubbish being burned in two separate areas of Lucan.
The ongoing issue was brought to South Dublin County Council’s attention after they received a number of complaints from residents, and their inspectors found that the site of the “biggest impact” is a privately-owned property near the 12th Lock.
Rubbish dumped near the 12th Lock recently
Independent councillor for Lucan, Liona O’Toole, told The Echo: “Complaints were coming in relation to a vile smell of burning of some sort. People said it was unbearable.”
Cllr O’Toole added that, according to residents, sites where rubbish is being burned include land near Kishoge Railway Station, and land at the 12th Lock near Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club.
“Residents are annoyed by the rubbish being burned,” said Cllr O’Toole, “but they’re more so annoyed that no action has been taken.”
The council stated that, in relation to the 12th Lock site, the fires are being started by people who are using the site but who do not reside on the site.
The council is currently discussing a multi-agency approach to the issue, and they stated that the council’s waste management team has contacted the owner of the land.
A spokesperson from South Dublin County Council told The Echo: “To date, action as appropriate has been taken under the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 -2013 on one landowner and following such action I can confirm that this landowner and their legal representatives are currently cooperating with the council.”
The unauthorised burning of waste is illegal, and fines of up to €5,000 can be imposed upon individuals if they’re convicted of the offence.
