Sean Walsh Park pond deemed a potential pollution hazard in new survey
By Mary Dennehy
DESPITE Tallaght’s continued improvement and movement up the rankings of a national litter league survey, it was bad news for the area’s feathered friends this week after a pond in Sean Walsh Park was described by survey inspectors as “verging towards a pollution hazard”.
Tallaght is now ranked 22nd in the IBAL (Irish Business against Litter) survey, with the area described as ‘clean to European norms’ – a notable improvement from 2010’s ‘litter blackspot’ rating.
In IBAL results released this week, eight out of the ten locations surveyed in Tallaght received a grade ‘A’ litter-free status, with areas such as the approach road to the Glenview roundabout, the recycling facility at The Square, Main Street in Tallaght village , the Lucan and Tallaght approach road and Belgard Square East receiving high praise from inspectors.
However, two locations received low grades – the pond behind the recycle area in Sean Walsh Park and Westpark estate.
Overall, Sean Walsh Park performed well, with inspectors reporting that it was “very fresh in appearance”.
However, in relation to the pond in Sean Walsh Park, inspectors said: “Heavy levels of a wide variety of litter were present in the pond . . . a mixture of both old and new litter.
“This would be verging towards a pollution hazard, given the swan and duck life within.”
In relation to Westpark, IBAL said: “There was a heavy litter presence throughout this residential development.
“The grass had recently been cut, but as the litter hadn’t been cleared before the cutting the result was ‘chopped up’ litter.”
When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “Overall, there have been huge strides made in Tallaght over the last few years and once again it has been found to be ‘clean to European norm’.
“Through hard work and dedication, Tallaght continues to climb up the ranks with huge improvements from 37th position in 2014 to 22nd position in the current results.”
The spokesperson added: “While Sean Walsh Park received a grade ‘A’ status, regrettably the worst site recorded was the pond behind the recycling area in the park.
“Through Public Realm operations the Council will focus efforts on maintaining the pond and other water courses in the park to prevent future low grading of this area.
“Another area which rated less than favourable was Westpark which was very unfortunate, as this area is well looked after on a regular basis.
“This site will be included on the Tallaght Town Centre maintenance schedule which will further increase the number of times that the area is cleaned/maintained.
“As always the public is encouraged to work with the Council in helping to identify culprits who engage in littering and illegal dumping and to report any incidents observed.”
Report incidents of littering and illegal dumping through the Council’s Litter Warden Hotline on 4149220.
