Call for measures to combat dumping at bring banks in Waterford

West Waterford councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy has called for a review of bottle bank and clothes bin locations.

Cllr Mulcahy said that illegal dumping at a number of sites is causing frustration for residents and creating unnecessary work for council staff.

“Week in, week out, I receive the same photos of rubbish bags and waste being dumped behind bottle banks and clothes bins. 

"It is unfair on nearby residents, unfair on people who use the facilities correctly, and unfair on council staff who are left cleaning up after the same behaviour time and time again,” said Cllr Mulcahy.

Cllr Mulcahy said that while Waterford City and County Council staff do their best to keep areas clean and tidy, the current setup at some locations is clearly not working.

He acknowledged that it is impossible to police every location 24 hours a day, and that responsibility must also lie with those who choose to dump illegally.

“Our council staff cannot be everywhere at once, and they already do Trojan work across West Waterford. 

"The real issue is the minority of people who continue to abuse these facilities and show no respect for their local communities,” he added.

The West Waterford councillor said he would like to see some bins moved to more public and visible areas, increasing CCTV where possible, and introducing stronger deterrents for repeat offenders.

“These facilities are there to help communities recycle and dispose of items responsibly, not to become dumping grounds. West Waterford deserves better, and I will continue to push for common-sense solutions,” said Cllr Mulcahy.