A community council member in the rural parish of Islandeady, between Castlebar and Westport, has hit out at the people behind the persistent and indiscriminate dumping that is destroying the scenic beauty of the area.
James O’Malley, secretary of the Islandeady Community Council, contacted photographer John Moylette after he came across an unsightly pile of household rubbish dumped on a roadside at Cornagushlaun.
He says this is not an isolated incidence and he is greatly disappointed by the way in which the hard work and community spirit shown by those who are working to better the area is being undermined by this dumping at rural beauty spots.
“The parish has been recognised for many years for its scenic beauty,” he explains. “Over the years, civic pride and community spirit has been built-up due to the commitment and dedication of those fortunate enough to be living in this beautiful community.”
That community work was recognised when Islandeady won a prestigious Pride of Place award in 2007. However, flytippers are proving to be a persistent problem.
Each spring, the community council organises an annual parish clean-up weekend.
“Tons of household waste and general items of rubbish have been collected by dedicated volunteers,” said Mr O’Malley.
The most recent dumping incident involved bags of domestic rubbish on a roadside in Cornagushlaun.
“This issue has been reported to the Mayo County Council litter warden for investigation,” added Mr O’Malley.
“To have our roads and laybys destroyed in such a fashion is deplorable. The person responsible for this dumping should hang their head in shame, and their total disregard for the efforts to protect and restore the scenic beauty of the community will not be tolerated.”
