'Illegal dumping 'mentality needs to change in Leitrim - claim
Councillors said that CCTV should be used to catch illegal dumpers in the act
Councillors expressed frustration at incidents of illegal dumping in Leitrim saying that household waste has been brought to beauty spots and dumped.
They were speaking after Cllr Gary Prior noted that a campfire that was lit at Garadice Lake that could have spread at the beauty spot, at the most recent Ballinamore municipal meeting.
He said: "During that dry spell, they could have quite easily bled into shrubbery nearby and over the last few weeks, we've seen the danger of fires that have broken out there."
In a motion he asked that Leitrim County Council install appropriate signage at the Garadice Lake amenity area, specifically at the location known locally as Kellys Angle, to deter and prevent illegal dumping of rubbish, and prohibit the lighting of campfires on site.
The official response said that the environment section will organise for "No Dumping" signage to be erected at this location.
Cllr Prior praised the council for cleaning up the results of illegal dumping at the area and said it was disappointing that some visitors are "leaving their rubbish behind them and driving away and leaving it for someone else to clean up."
He asked that a "seasonal bin" be put in place to help alleviate the issue.
Cllr Paddy O'Rourke supported the motion saying it was "astonishing that in this day and age" adding the "that the mentality of people beggars belief".
He said he is aware of cases where household rubbish has been dumped at similar amenity sites.
He stressed that there are "some responsible people out there" with Cllr Enda McGloin also supporting the motion.
Cllr Brendan Barry noted that many people who frequent amenity sites in campervans are "very good at tidying up after themselves" and "seem to look after the area."
He added: "When they made contact with me, it was about other individuals".
Emma Donohoe, Senior Executive Engineer assured Cllr Prior that the "No Dumping" signage would be erected as soon as possible.
The discussion then moved to the issues surrounding the use of CCTV in attempting to bring the perpetrators to justice with Ms Donohoe noting that there are "still huge issues with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)".
Justin Fannon, Director of Services (Acting) said there have been a number of "serious fines paid by county councils because data that was captured for one thing was used for another."
Cllr Enda McGloin said he found this "extraordinary" as CCTV is often used to gather more details about other crimes.
He added: "Setting places on fire and illegal dumping and dog fouling is also serious and needs to be called out."