Rubbish dumping at picturesque Waterford beach an issue

The issue of rubbish dumping and limited availability of bins at Clonea beach was raised by public representatives last week.

Cllr Kate O’Mahoney said she has been receiving complaints from locals about overflowing bins at the beach.

Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes, further commented that tackling the amount of rubbish at the beach has been a challenge.

“During the bathing season we have ongoing daily removal of litter. Outside of the bathing season we don't," he said.

"We had a dog fouling bin there and it has proved challenging in that we have found bags of household waste being left there. Given the amount of fly tipping we have removed that bin. All bins will be returned for June and they will be serviced on a daily basis during the summer season."

Cllr Thomas Phelan said that bins should be provided on the beach all year round, however, there is also an expectation on the public to take responsibility.

“I do think there’s a strong element of personal responsibility that has to come into play. I was down there myself last Friday morning and the amount of rubbish left at the dog bin on the slipway in Clonea, you’d need a small skip there every day to take it away."