Illegal Dumping Is Draining Major Resources From Public Services

Illegal dumping in Dublin is draining major resources from other important public services, according to Fianna Fáil Dublin Spokesperson, John Lahart.

Deputy Lahart has called for a public information campaign on the impact and cost of fly tipping, alongside a properly resourced crackdown on those responsible.

He made the call following receipt of information from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment which reveals that over €1,890,000 was spent across the four Dublin local authorities in 2017.

Deputy Lahart said: "Week in, week out I hear from Dublin residents about the growth of illegal dumping in their communities, which are among the most densely populated urban areas in Ireland.

"Apart from the public nuisance, this activity also represents a public health risk.

"Enhancing the penalties could go some way towards deterring those who are content with dumping their waste and making it someone else’s problem, but there are just a handful of officers employed to enforce important by-laws and fines on those responsible. A crackdown needs to be put in place and needs to be properly resourced.

"The true cost of illegal dumping ultimately falls back on the taxpayer and this is only set to increase further as the problem worsens across the capital. Informing the public of the costs, public health concerns and environmental impact associated with dumping is urgently required.

"The money spent by local authorities in their attempt to control the problem, should be allocated towards crucial public services, not dealing with other people’s disgusting behaviour.

"The volume of money being diverted into dealing with this has grown to completely unsustainable levels. We need to see a properly resourced strategy to deal with it and Fianna Fáil will play our part in moving that strategy forward."

(MH)