Just 79 court cases in 10 years for dumping
BALLYGAWLEY Fine Gael member Thomas Walsh has hit out at what he claims is “an all-time high level of dumping and fly tipping in Sligo and a refusal to deal with it effectively.”
Thomas was told by Sligo County Council that there have been 79 prosecutions initiated by them over the last ten years for illegal dumping.
He was given the data following a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We need to have a serious conversation across this county to identify effective measures that will reduce the level of dumping that is taking place and in most cases across our most scenic tourist areas,” he told The Sligo Champion.
“This is less than 10 prosecutions per year. This figure is very worrying and as fly tip- ping continues to increase we need to ensure those who litter are identified and brought to the full rigor of the law.
“Following an annual clean up coordinated by Ballygawley Tidy Towns last Saturday morning, I have seen at first hand the level of dumping occurring along our roadsides.
“Approximately 40 bags of rubbish were picked up by a group of 25 volunteers. And what was very evident was the majority of the rubbish being dumped and tipped is recyclable materials such as spirit and beer bottles, clothing, take away containers, disposable coffee cups, tissues.
“Within eight hours of the Union Wood area in Ballygawley being cleaned there was at least six more items disposed of along the roadside,” he said.
“Those who litter should be severely punished, named and shamed,” he added.