Safety concerns about burning of ‘illegally dumped rubbish’

THE repeated burning of illegally dumped rubbish near the Daletree Place Traveller Group Housing Scheme in Ballycullen has created “a safety concern”, according to a councillor.

Cllr Emma Murphy (FF) raised the issue at an area committee meeting earlier this month, when she asked South Dublin County Council if they had received reports of anti-social behaviour at the site.

The council confirmed that four reports had been received so far this year, all of which involved the illegal burning of waste near the housing scheme.

The local authority said the complaints are under investigation with a view to identifying those who lit the fires, but they have not yet been identified.

Cllr Murphy told The Echo: “There were a number of fires a few evenings in a row, and there is a particular spot where rubbish is being burnt very openly.

“The issue is with the general inconvenience of it, but also the safety issues.

“It’s coming into summer, kids are out playing and they’re coming across open fires adjacent to the Traveller accommodation site.

“It’s become a safety concern, but the council has done a huge amount of work in terms of clean-ups and a good bin structure, and they’re being very pro-active.”

The question concerning the fires was submitted by Cllr Murphy last March, and it was on the agenda for the meeting on April 9, but she said the fires have lessened since her submission.

“It definitely has quietened down,” she said.

“I put the question down in mid- to late March and it has definitely quietened down since then.”

The remnants of previous fires at the site are still apparent, however, in the form of scorch marks on the road adjacent to the halting site.

“There’s a massive scorch mark where you can see where the fires have happened, and I’ve asked the council to deal with it, so the fires aren’t seen as being recurring,” added Cllr Murphy.

In respect of the individuals who were lighting the fires, the council stated: “If local residents can assist with identifying the individuals responsible, the Estate Management team can be contacted on 01- 414 9265, by sending a message to 086 0602586 or by emailing estmgt@sdublincoco.ie.

“Any such reports are treated in the strictest of confidence.

“If the offenders are found to be individuals who are tenants or occupiers of council properties, enforcement action will be taken.

“This action will take the form of the issuing of verbal warnings, written warnings and ultimately, if the problem persists, may culminate in legal proceedings against the tenant.

“The Estate Management team works closely with the council’s Waste Enforcement team and reports the presence of bonfire material and debris to ensure materials are removed and action is taken under Waste Enforcement legislation where applicable.

“The council is committed to working towards the eradication of such behaviour.”