Scourge of litter has become a nightmare in Galway
The problem of illegal dumping in rural areas has now been highlighted by the IFA who are demanding that tougher penalties be imposed for litter dumpers.
It is a major problem in North Galway at the moment with bogs, rivers and drains becoming major dumping grounds.
Local Fine Gael councillor Pete Roche said that he had come across a drain close to his home in Abbeyknockmoy with more than 40 refuse bags dumped there.
Those responsible for the dumping are avoiding the private bin collection charges. The clean up operation is costing Galway County Council tens of thousands of euro.
Cllr. Roche agreed that penalties for those who are identified as having dumped illegally should be punishing.
Since the bin collection service was privatised by the local authority, it has resulted in an increase in illegal dumping of household waste.
According to the IFA, there is a major problem with motorists throwing out bags of waste in rural areas.
Cllr. Roche has described as “despicable” those who dump litter and has called on Galway County Council to ascertain where every householder disposes of their waste.
He wants community wardens to go door to door and ask householders how they are getting rid of their domestic refuse.
IFA Deputy President and Countryside spokesman Tim O’ Leary has called on the Department of Environment to introduce tougher penalties to ensure that local authorities implement existing laws more effectively to curb the increasing incidence of littering by passing motorists in the countryside.
The IFA have conducted a comprehensive survey of our members, which highlights that over 60% of members are concerned about the issue of rural littering.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.