Dundalk Tidy Towns disheartened following discovery of illegal dump site

Dundalk Tidy Towns has said that illegal dumping in the town “not only detracts from the natural beauty of our town, but poses significant health and environmental risks”, following the discovery of an illegal dumping ground at Aisling Park, and said that “it is disheartening to see that some members of our community continue to engage in such irresponsible behaviour, seemingly without fear of consequence”.

Louth County Council said that it responded to a “significant fly-tipping incident” in Dundalk last Thursday, where large quantities of waste had been illegally dumped close to a residential area. Local authority staff discovered the waste dumped in a wooded area of Aisling Park, Dundalk, during a routine inspection. Shopping trolleys, household items including furniture and other domestic waste were among the items discarded.

Louth County Council said that the site was being inspected by its Litter Wardens, and where possible, evidence would be extracted from discarded waste which may be used to identify those responsible.

In comments to the Dundalk Democrat on the discovery of the illegal dump, Helen Byrne, Chairperson of Dundalk Tidy Town, said: “We are so disappointed with this news. Over the past few months we have noticed an increase in the amount of waste being irresponsibly discarded in various public spaces, such as along roads, public walkways, residential areas and also bags of domestic waste being placed beside public bins throughout the town.

“Illegal dumping not only detracts from the natural beauty of our town but poses significant health and environmental risks.”
Helen continued: “It is disheartening to see that some members of our community continue to engage in such irresponsible behaviour, seemingly without fear of consequence.

“This lack of accountability not only undermines the efforts of our hard working volunteers who strive to keep our town clean but also sets a poor example for our future generations. Our community deserves to enjoy clean and safe public spaces.

“We ask residents to take pride in their town and to report any instances of illegal dumping they witness to Louth County Council.”

The Dundalk Tidy Towns Chairperson added, “by working together and holding each other accountable, we can ensure a healthier and more beautiful place to live for everyone.”

Louth County Council has said that its Environment Section actively responds to incidents of littering and illegal dumping and has investigated 582 cases of littering so far in 2024. If a conviction is secured by the local authority through the courts, a penalty of up to €3,000 can be imposed as well as the costs of bringing the action to court under the polluter pays principle.

Louth County Council added that it is appealing to the public not to engage in littering or illegal dumping and to always use the services of a registered waste collector when disposing of household waste. Larger household items can be disposed of at recycling centres in Dundalk and Drogheda.

The local authority asks that if people see someone dumping illegally, to please report the matter to the local council who will investigate and take any necessary enforcement action. Report littering directly to Louth County Council, who have a dedicated Customer Services line on 042 933 5457.