Anger growing over Murrough illegal dumping
WICKLOW CHAMBER AND DISTRICT AWARDS NIGHT
FRUSTRATIONS are growing with illegal dumping that continues to take place at two locations along the Murrough.
Members of the public have also been abused and threatened by suspects thought to be engaging in the dumping at the well-known beauty spot.
Two separate locations are being used to dump and burn domestic waste and other forms of rubbish. It is also believed much of the waste is being dumped by unlicensed waste collectors operating illegally.
Cllr John Snell has called on Wicklow County Council to speed up their response.
‘If Wicklow County Council aren’t seen acting with urgency, then the public lose faith in what is being said. It’s an horrendous situation and I know of two women who firstly received a mouthful of abuse and were then threatened with violence after confronting the offenders. The rubbish is mostly being burnt as soon as it arrives at the Murrough.’
MEMBERS of the public have been threatened after approaching people engaging in illegal dumping at the Murrough, a local Councillor has said.
Two separate locations at the well-known beauty-spot are being used to dump and burn domestic waste and other forms of rubbish. It is also believed much of the waste is being dumped by unlicensed waste collectors operating illegally.
Wicklow County Council is engaged in discussions with its Law Agent over the proper route of action to take. The two locations have been investigated but no evidence to identify suspects has so far been recovered. Reports and photographs showing the extent of illegally dumped waste have also been submitted.
The Local Authority plans to clear up both sites.
The dumping has been taking place for close to six months and Cllr John Snell said regular users of the Murrough are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of action so far.
‘The Local Authority needs to be strong in tackling this situation. If the Environmental section of Wicklow County Council aren’t seen acting with urgency, then the public lose faith in what is being said. It’s an horrendous situation and I know of two women who firstly received a mouthful of abuse and were then threatened with violence after confronting the offenders. The rubbish is mostly being burnt as soon as it arrives at the Murrough. It’s an environmental hazard and is ruining a truly scenic location,’ said Cllr Snell.
He further feels that Wicklow County Council needs to be more proactive, rather than relying too much on the public to monitor the situation.
‘The council needs witnesses to come forward who have actually witnessed the dumping taking place – witnesses who would be willing to stand up and give evidence in court. Personally, I think that is placing the onus back on the public, though the Local Authority says that isn’t what it is doing. It’s not job of the public to stand up in front of the court of law,’ said Cllr Snell.
‘The council knows where the dumping is taking place and they should be monitoring it more closely. Pick up trucks are coming in and dumping the rubbish, which is mostly household waste. Litter wardens and council staff should be out monitoring the situation at all times. The council isn’t moving quick enough and this will only encourage others to start dumping because they think they can get away with it.’
Cllr Snell has also warned Wicklow residents not to allow anyone to collect and dispose of their household waste if they aren’t a licensed waste permit holder.
‘People who hand over their waste have to be more vigilant and more mindful of where the waste ends up. You should ask for the production of a waste license permit. If they can’t produce one, then don’t hand over your waste,’ he said.