New campaign launches to combat ‘scandalous’ illegal activity in Kilkenny

The Environment Department of Kilkenny County Council has launched a new public awareness campaign aimed at tackling illegal dumping, fly-tipping and littering across the city and county.

The campaign, which will run over the coming months, features a series of short online videos highlighting well-known locations throughout Kilkenny that have been adversely affected by illegal dumping, fly-tipping and persistent littering.

These videos are designed to bring the issue closer to home by showing the real and visible impact of waste-related offences on local communities, amenities and the natural environment.

Illegal dumping littering continues to pose a significant challenge across both urban and rural areas of Kilkenny. These activities not only damage the environment and local biodiversity but also place an unnecessary financial burden on the Council and, ultimately, the taxpayer.

The issue of dumping has caused much public outrage in recent months with one local resident responding to a video posted by Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD summing up the situation as ‘scandalous.’

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The Environment Department reminded the public that there are serious legal consequences for those found engaging in illegal dumping or littering.

Under the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Litter Pollution Act 1997, offenders may face on-the-spot fines for littering offences, significant financial penalties upon conviction, prosecution through the courts and seizure of vehicles used in illegal dumping activities.

The Council said it is actively monitoring known blackspots and will continue to use surveillance, inspections and enforcement measures to identify and prosecute offenders.

While enforcement remains a key part of addressing the issue, the Council also said it’s emphasising the importance of personal responsibility and that every household and business has a legal duty to manage and dispose of their waste correctly through waste collectors or approved facilities.

The Environment Department was keen to highlight that Kilkenny County Council does not provide collection services but instead works to regulate the sector and ensure that members of the public are informed of the appropriate and available disposal options.

Members of the public are encouraged to use authorised waste collection services, dispose of waste at licensed facilities, avoid engaging with unlicensed waste collectors and report incidents of illegal dumping or littering to the Council.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, Mags Whelan said: “This campaign is about raising awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour. The locations featured in our videos are places that people across Kilkenny know and value.

“Illegal dumping and littering are entirely preventable, and we are asking everyone to play their part in protecting our environment.”

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Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme