‘Environmental terrorism’ incidents in Kilkenny universally condemned

The issue of illegal dumping on the Old Ballyragget Road at Grants Wood in Kilkenny has been raised at the most meeting of the Castlecomer Municipal District by Independent councillor Maurice Shortall.

Councillor Shortall asked the council if they might come up with an ultimate solution that would put an end to the dumping; he suggested the introduction of CCTV in the area, saying that it was ‘long overdue as the issue was causing the Environment Section a constant headache and wasting valuable resources’.

Cllr Shortall referred to the area as a ‘dumping hotspot’, and said that it has been upsetting for the residents living in the Grants Wood area.

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Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh spoke of a similar issue in the Crosspatrick area which she called “appalling”, where culprits have ‘gutted’ a house and dumped various items within it.

Councillor Cavanagh gave her support to Councillor Shortall on the introduction of CCTV cameras in the area. “We cannot allow people to litter ad nauseum and to use the side of the road or quiet areas for dumping,” said Councillor Cavanagh. “It’s not acceptable.”

Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick cited the “shameful” cost of the council having to deal with this illegal dumping, and how it has taken from those who need funding. “It’s preventing us from getting other things done for people in our communities,” he said. “I think prosecution is the only answer, and we need cameras.”

Cllr Michael Delaney added that amongst the reports of illegal dumping made to him in his area, it was found that a lot of the refuse is recyclable. Cllr Delaney asked if there was any possiblity that people don’t realise that these items are recyclable, citing a potential lack of education.

Councillor John Brennan said the only way to deal with these culprits is to name and shame them. He commended the hard work, given voluntarily, by local organisations such as Tidy Towns. “They keep their areas clean and have pride in their work, and a few culprits come along and destroy it for everyone.”

Councillor Michael McCarthy referred to the issue of illegal dumping in these hotspots as ‘environmental terrorism’, and voiced his support of the potential introduction of CCTV.

There was high praise across the chamber from each councillor for the ongoing work done by the Environment Section.

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