Awaiting CCTV to clamp down on illegal dumping at Butler’s Bridge

When the way is cleared for local authorities to legally use CCTV to catch those engaged in illegal dumping, the Butler's Bridge area is one location where the technology is likely to be deployed, David Jones, director of services for the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, has said.

He was replying to a query by Cllr Ken Glynn on whether preventative measures could be put in place to tackle illegal dumping at Butler's Bridge.

The official written response to Cllr Glynn stated that the area is regularly monitored, and any reports of illegal dumping are investigated and cleaned up.

It went on to explain that the recently enacted Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 provides for the use of CCTV and mobile recording devices in the enforcement of litter and waste legislation.

The reply continued that the use of that technology under the act requires the development of a code of practice by the CCMA (County and City Management Association (CCMA).

"This code of practice is expected to be in place later this year and this matter can be given appropriate consideration at that stage," Cllr Glynn was informed.

The Fianna Fáil man said that while he appreciated the response, it was "frustrating" that the council has to continuously send out teams to clean up what is a lovely area.

"At the end of the day, it’s public money and I would imagine is probably one of our highest spends in the district when it comes to actual anti-litter measures."

Pedestrian crossing request

Cllr Glynn, at the same meeting (May) asked that the Municipal District reinstate the pedestrian crossing close to Harbour Place Shopping Centre and Gilleran’s Bar.

He said the work was necessary as the surface is poor in many places.

When the district replied, however, their response related to a different location, further down closer to Presentation College.

"Sorry, I probably should have been a little bit more specific: I was talking about the one between the church and the pedestrian entrance to Harbour Place," Cllr Glynn replied.

"It’s just uneven and it’s been brought to my attention. It might prevent somebody having an unfortunate fall."

The original written response to Cllr Glynn’s request stated that "following a review of the existing pedestrian crossing along this street a new pedestrian crossing was installed adjacent to Presentation Convent which was considered a safer location. This was in lieu of the pelican crossing at the previous location."

The reply concluded that the new crossing can also accommodate pedestrians walking from the north side and that there is a pedestrian crossing on Friar Mill Road and Castle Street.

Ashfield

At the same meeting, Cllr Glynn asked what progress has been made to eliminate flooding on the green area at Ashefield.

The response from the district was that drainage is required along the green areas and that may be considered as part of the 2024 estimates.

District engineer Pat Kavanagh added that unfortunately, it will be an expensive fix, and so will require inclusion as an estimates item.