Galway residents fuming over 'completely unacceptable' incident 'affecting everyone living here'

New anti-dumping and litter management signs, as well as the introduction of new CCTV, have been implemented after areas of Ballybane became dumping blackspots for litter louts.

Residents at the Merlin estates have woken up various mornings to see the uplifting and bright community mural turned into a dumping ground for rubbish and old mattresses.

Ironically, the now constantly littered mural was constructed with the help of local children and is part of a video launch for Ballybane Tidy Towns showcasing the cleanliness of the area.

Ballybane Tidy Towns said: “It's completely unacceptable to see rubbish being illegally dumped in our community.

“Shame on the person that done it. Some video footage was captured by residents and will be passed on to the relevant authorities.

“It affects everyone who lives here, damages our environment and takes away from the hard work of those who volunteer their time to keep the area looking its best. Enough is enough-illegal dumping has to stop.”

Just two months ago, Galway County Council brought CCTV back to recycling banks in a renewed crackdown on illegal dumping after a couch was abandoned at the Mountbellew facility.

Council officials confirmed the cameras would be reintroduced at banks across the county, telling the July meeting of Galway County Council that the move is aimed at deterring fly-tipping and other misuse of the recycling sites.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Connolly welcomed the move, describing the dumping as unacceptable.

"It is unbelievable what people think is acceptable," he said.

"I am delighted CCTV will be reintroduced."

Cllr Connolly said removing bring banks from communities because of the actions of a minority would unfairly punish responsible residents who rely on the facilities to recycle glass, cans and cardboard.

"People say to take them out of the locality, but then the general public will have no place to dispose of boxes and cans," he said.

He recalled that CCTV had previously been installed at bring banks, with offenders issued fines for illegal dumping, before the cameras were removed because of GDPR concerns.

"However, that issue has now been resolved," he added.

Council officials told councillors that local community groups receive grants to monitor bring bank sites and notify the local authority when recycling bins are full.

They confirmed CCTV would now be reinstated as an additional deterrent against illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour at the facilities.

Cllr Connolly said he intends to keep the issue on the council agenda until the cameras have been installed.