People can't afford refuse costs - Hill

Illegal dumping is becoming a growing problem because people can’t afford the “high cost” of collection, according to Cllr Paddy Hill.

Speaking at the April meeting of Mullingar Municipal District (MMD), where the problem of illegal dumping was discussed, Cllr Hill said that the cost of refuse collection had gone “very high” and “maybe many are not able to afford the extra cost”.

Cllr Liam McDaniel said that people who engage in illegal dumping should be named and shamed. Noting that “wardens cannot be everywhere”, the Fianna Fáil man says that there needs to be stiffer penalties for those caught engaging in the practice, including their naming and shaming.

“It’s the only way of dealing with it,” he said.

Cllr Ken Glynn said that illegal dumping is a “growing problem” in every community across the county.

“This is a huge issue. We need to review bins again. On busy amenity stretches bins are very scarce.

“The council needs to go back and look at it again.”

Cllr Una D’Arcy noted that the collection of refuse, including illegal dumping, is a “huge expense” for Westmeath County Council.

When people spend time at a local amenity they should “be responsible” for their rubbish and bring it home she said.

She also believes that the council should name and shame people convicted of illegal dumping.

“They should be pursued and their names should be published. They are destroying lovely areas.”

Cllr Andrew Duncan said that “in reality it is not feasible” to pursue people through the courts.

He added that “affordability” and “education” are two factors in the rise of illegal dumping.

He also suggested the council should consider opening a facility where people could come to dispose of their refuse by the bag.
Speaking at the meeting, council official Paul McCool said that litter is an “increasing problem”, particularly on roads outside towns.