Dumpers in Athy 'sticking the two fingers up to us'

Illegal dumping in Athy was described as “horrific” at the most recent Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting. The problem of dumping at Edmund Rice Square continues, forcing MD members to consider installing CCTV cameras in the area.

The question was raised by cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin, where she asked for an update in relation to the use of CCTV cameras for the prosecution of illegal dumping.

“Holy god, if anyone saw Edmund Rice Square over the weekend. It looked like the fourth world war. It is absolutely horrific,” said cllr Breslin.

“Until bottle banks are moved we need cameras.

“People are sticking the two fingers up to us. There were things not even fit for a dump left there.”

She concluded: “We need to get our act together or we’ll be left behind.”

CCTV cameras would not be there overnight. The council said a code of practice (COP) are in place to facilitate the use of CCTV cameras in enforcing waste and litter regulations across the Athy municipal district.

The council said if councillors would like to go ahead with the COP process, there would be a series of steps that must be taken in order to receive the cameras, including proposals and approvals by the council.

It is expected that there will be an application for the installation of CCTV in the area, which should hopefully curb illegal dumping at Edmund Rice Square.