Big Belly bins - solar powered 'compactor' bins with real-time information to tell waste collectors when the bin is full - need to be installed in Salthill.
This is the view of Fine Gael Galway City West councillor, Clodagh Higgins, who is calling on the Galway City Council to draft an emergency plan to counteract the expected littering on Salthill beaches and parks, with outdoor dining likely to resume for the summer.
“I am delighted with the prospect of Salthill’s restaurants opening up and the advent of outdoor dining,” she said, “but it is crucial the council gets a pro-active littering plan in place.”
.
Fine Gael Galway City West councillor, Clodagh Higgins. Photo:- Brian Harding
Cllr Higgins has contacted the council’s environment department on this issue and was informed that the department will review the frequency of bin collections in Salthill area and make decisions appropriately “in line with need and resources”.
Cllr Higgins said “more can be done” as the current bins in Salthill “are not fit for purpose”. As a result, she has tabled a motion calling on the council to install Big Belly bins in Salthill along with a plastic bottle and aluminium can deposit return unit. She is also calling for an awareness campaign.
“We urgently need the delivery of big belly bins if we are going to ensure littering does not become an eyesore with the expected increase in visitors over the coming months,” she said. “People also need to take responsibility for their actions. Leaving waste anywhere is totally unacceptable. If people bring waste with them the least, they should take it home with them.”
