The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Recycling charges a factor in dumping
LISSIVIGEEN Community Alert President Pat Kelleher has said rising recycling charges are forcing people who would normally recycle to dump materials rather than pay a fee.
His group is based just a mile from the Council’s Waste Transfer Station in Coolcashlagh and Mr Kelleher claims that charges recently introduced for recycling items such as papers and plastic is having an adverse effect on the Lissivigeen locality.
“The recycling centre is close and we have a major problem with people dumping stuff from trailers and cars. Charging for recycling has caused ire among people and this is certainly a cause of the dumping. I would ask that the council review the charge policy,” he added.
Local school children are also doing their bit to counter the problem.
THE children of Lissivigeen National School led the way in their community’s fight against illegal dumping when taking part in a specially commissioned ‘anti-litter’ themed art competition to coincide with Lissivigeen’s new anti-litter signs targeting litter louts.
Under the guidance of school Principal Michael McAuliffe, 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils were tasked with creating clever slogans to help stop illegal dumping. Mia Counihan was the overall winner and she picked up the ‘Pat Corcoran Perpetual Trophy’ as her prize.
Also present at the awards event on Tuesday morning was Killarney Municipal District Officer, Eileen O’Donoghue, who praised the Lissivigeen community for its fight against litter and for promoting environmental awareness in the school. Pat Kelliher, President of Lissivigeen Community Alert, said the entire community, from the youngest to the oldest, is at one when it comes to caring for each other and the environment.
Speaking on behalf of Lissivigeen Community Alert, Christy Lehane said the people of Lisivigeen take great pride in their community and decided to create awareness through anti-litter signs and school competitions.
“This community is very active in cleaning up the locality and we took the view that we had to put up signs. Our location is a gateway to the tourism capital of Ireland and excess litter doesn’t bode well for Killarney. We would also like to thank the council for providing the funding,” Christy added.