FURY OVER ILLEGAL DUMPING BY ST STEPHEN’S CEMETERY
ST STEPHEN’S Cemetery has become the latest area to fall foul to illegal dumpers after an array of household rubbish and drinks cans were discovered beside the graveyard last week.
In a further example of the struggle facing the council’s environment department and voluntary groups, a slew of bin liners, boxes and even an old duvet were pictured behind the Cluain Fada estate.
Expressing his disappointment, New Ross District Manager Mick McCormack said prosecutions would be made if the culprits were identified. ‘It’s disappointing to see people are leaving rubbish there, our litter wardens will be investigating and if they find evidence they will prosecute,’ he said. ‘At the moment more people are out walking and they’re seeing rubbish everywhere they go, it’s certainly becoming more evident.’
Although the Environmental Department conduct extensive clean-up operations across the district, Mr McCormack said they were also providing litter picking bags to members of the public who wished to help and assist. Meanwhile, Cathaoirleach for the New Ross District, Councillor Michael Whelan has said those responsible should face ‘severe punishment’ for their actions. ‘It’s disgraceful, and it’s becoming a huge problem in the county, not only in our county. I don’t know where we’ve gone wrong, we used to keep the place so clean. I don’t know if it’s a generational thing or whether people are dumping intentionally knowing that someone else will clean it up,’ said Cllr Whelan.
‘We have seen the amount of people in the community picking up rubbish and it would give them solace if they knew we were prosecuting those who dump illegally. Whatever about a first offender, I think someone caught a second time should face severe punishment.’