Independent Councillor for Galway City East Declan McDonnell has called on members of the public to report sightings of illegal dumping as it will be acted upon by the local authority and the Gardai.
“The clean-up of illegal dumping is a huge bill for Galway City Council and one we could do without at the moment,” says Cllr. McDonnell.
Cllr McDonnell says that for tourism and economic reasons it is imperative that people take action and report serial offenders.
“Not alone is it costly, but it gives a very bad impression of our city to tourists, and we all need to play our part in trying to stamp it out.
“I am calling on all people who see illegal dumping taking place to take car registration numbers of the culprits and report it to the authorities,” he says.
Cllr McDonnell says he was informed of illegal dumping recently in the city centre and he took immediate action.
“In one incident in Eyre Square last week, a case of illegal dumping was brought to my attention and I immediately called the Gardai. The culprit was identified and has now been issued with a fine.”
Cllr McDonnell says that this proactive approach is necessary adding,”I would like to commend the responsible member of the public that brought this to my attention and the two Gardai who assisted in identifying the offender.
“Unless we are proactive in dealing with this escalating problem, we will end up paying more and more to clean up other people’s rubbish.”
Cllr McDonnell makes reference to the enforcement measures in Cork and says that similar proposals in Galway could result in a change of behaviour. “I think we should be going even further than just issuing a fine and bringing these people to Court like they do in Cork, with members of the public being encouraged to make statements,” he says.
“We need to start naming and shaming those that are responsible for illegal dumping in order to try and stamp it out.”
