Residents of Beabeg Lane sick of dumping
RESIDENTS of a small lane on the outskirts of Drogheda have reached boiling point at the amount of illegal dumping taking place near their homes. In recent weeks, household waste, rotting food, old bathrooms, mattresses and car parts have been dumped in fields, hedgerows, ditches, and in some cases in the middle of the road, at Beabeg Lane and locals are calling for immediate action from Meath County Council.
“I’m angrier than I have been in a long time and am frustrated by my lack of ability to change the situation and appalled at the apathy and inertia from the very people who could make a change,” says Tamara Howard, who has lived in Beabeg Lane since she was 12. “I have always known it to be a safe place; until the last year or so, and now this lane has become a magnet for illegal dumping, and frankly, we are sick of it. “
Tamara says that on a weekly basis, residents deals with the contents of white vans being deposited in their waters and roadways. She has personally contacted Meath County Council telling them about crates of rotting carcasses that were dumped in the ditches; creating a biohazard for wildlife, pets and people.
“They have done nothing to support us and allow our children and pets to remain exposed to pollution; turning a blind eye and disregarding the growing issue,” she says angrily. “Sure, it’s only a few people down a laneway. It’s only 2km of road. How bad could it be?”
She says aside from the obvious unsightliness and potential pollution to environment and wildlife, she no longer feels safe to walk her dog on the lane for fear that I interrupt some dumping taking place.
“CCTV is the only solution here. The removal of rubbish is not working,” adds Tamara. “Prevention through dissuasion is the only answer now and CCTV must, unfortunately, be placed in the problem areas without further delay before one of us is beaten up on a walk, one of our pets is killed or injured or before the rat issue in the area becomes any worse. ‘