Litter Management Plan to be reviewed amid rising illegal dumping in Leitrim
The issue of dumping was raised by Cllr Cormac Flynn, where he called on Leitrim County Council, with the assistance or inclusion of local volunteers, to develop a strategy to deter the practice.
There has been a rise in illegal dumping in the Carrick-on-Shannon area, causing concern among residents and local representatives.
Recently, a local resident spoke to the Leitrim Observer about illegal dumping at the bottle banks in the town, suggesting that relocating the bottle banks to a more central location might help deter dumping.
The issue was raised by Cllr Cormac Flynn at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, where he called on Leitrim County Council, with the assistance or inclusion of local volunteers and community groups, to develop a strategy to deter the practice.
“It’s a big problem that seems to be getting worse. We need to get ahead of it somehow,” Cllr Flynn said.
He acknowledged that while a small minority of individuals are responsible, they are “persistent.”
Cllr Flynn’s motion received broad support from other members.
“There are a couple of black spots,” said Cllr Paddy Farrell, who seconded the motion, adding that cameras should be installed at certain locations.
“I don’t know what has changed in the past month but it just seems to have gotten worse everywhere,” commented Cllr Maeve Reynolds, who also supported the use of cameras.
Cllr Enda Stenson noted that dumping appears to be particularly prevalent in graveyards, citing instances in Carrick-on-Shannon and Mohill. He suggested that installing cameras in graveyards would be easier than in rural areas.
A report by the Head of Finance and Water Services said Leitrim County Council targets illegal dumping in accordance with the Waste Management Act 1996, LCC Waste Enforcement Policy, LCC Litter Management Plan, LCC Litter By-laws and Household Waste By-Laws.
The response noted that illegal dumping is “always challenging,” with all complaints being investigated by the Waste Enforcement Officer and Community Wardens.
If sufficient evidence is available and compiled, prosecutions are initiated under the Waste and Litter Management Acts.
The current Litter Management Plan is undergoing review in the coming weeks, with opportunities for public consultation to be made available during the review phase.