‘Diabolical’ dumping at Athy recycling bins
The bottle banks in Edmund Rice Square in Athy Photo: Aisling Hyland
Athy MD cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin brought this problem to council members at last week’s Athy Municipal District meeting, calling it “absolutely diabolical”.
Dumping in the area has been an ongoing problem, with people discarding cardboard boxes, plastic bags and even window frames. There has also been a rat problem developing in the bush behind the bins as a result of the dumping.
Athy councillors all agreed that something has to be done to stop this from happening and it was suggested that moving the bins to a different location might be the only answer.
Cllr Breslin said: “This is an absolutely horrific situation. We need to put a conscious effort in removing these bins.”
Cllr Veralouise Behan believes the situation will not change until the bins are moved: “It’s a habit that’s developed now, and we’re nurturing the habit by leaving it there.”
In response, the council highlighted that the existing site is centrally located and convenient for the town’s residents, but they expressed a willingness to consider alternative locations suggested by councillors, provided they meet specific requirements.
Sites should include access for service vehicles, an absence of overhead cables, a setback of at least 50 metres from residential areas and safe public access.
The council also noted that future public realm improvements planned for the Edmund Rice Square car park could present an opportunity to reposition the recycling banks within the car park. Further enhancements such as landscaping, improved signage and general aesthetic upgrades are also being explored for the recycling area.
