Littering on beach at ‘breaking point’
A VOLUNTEER beach clearer in Ballymoney has described the litter situation at the north beach as ‘reaching breaking point’ after a large number of towels, coffee cups, food wrappings as well as drink cans and bottles were left disgarded over the past week.
Sean Ferguson, an activist with Clean Coasts, has since made contact with gardaí, the Environment Department of the local Council as well as fellow locals in the area about what can be done next about the issue.
He expressed concern for the safety of teenagers, after witnessing some climbing rocks or swimming while in a state of intoxication.
A spokesperson for the Environment Department said that Wexford County Council is ‘stepping up’ to this particular challenge and inreasing inspections as we enter phase two of the lifting of government restrictions with regard to Covid-19.
‘Wexford County Council in conjunction with An Garda Siochana are conducting regular inspections of the county’s beaches, including Ballymoney. The Environment Warden patrols are focused on littering and dog fouling, with any offences noted incurring an on the spot fine of €150.
‘The Council’s beach bylaws are also being enforced, which prohibit camping on any of the county’s beaches.
‘Wexford County Council will continue to respond to any specific cases of illegal dumping, with a view to initiating prosecutions where possible,’ the spokesperson said.