COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, October 18, 2010

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor J. Hannon

That effective action be taken to deal with the ongoing problems of dumping and harassment of local residents in the vicinity of Ballycragh Traveller Accommodation,  and that a joined -up approach be taken by Housing and Environmental Services.

REPORT:

The Daletree area is regularly patrolled by the local Litter warden who inspects any material dumped for evidence which may support a fine or prosecution under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 as amended.  The Warden also arranges clean-ups by the Cleansing Section where required and liaises with the Housing Department as necessary.

This location has been a blackspot for illegal dumping for many years and seems to be ‘used’ for that purpose both by people from the general area and by others who travel there to dump illegally.  The litter warden service has focussed a lot of attention on the area, including out of hours patrols, however, there has not been any success in identifying offenders.

A CCTV camera was installed at Daletree to cover the entrance to Daletree Group Housing and the roadway at this location and it is monitored by Housing Department staff but as yet it has not yielded sufficient evidence to support any prosecutions or fines under the Litter Pollution Act. This mainly stems from the fact that most of the dumping is carried out by young children against whom action cannot be taken by the Litter Warden.  Some complaints have been received about abandoned cars, setting material alight and anti-social behaviour at this location which resulted in warnings being issued to a number of tenants by the Anti Social Response team. 

The anti social behaviour which is occuring  at Daletree Estate is linked, in the main to four of the ten families. The Council remains in contact with Gardai from Rathfarnham station regarding  Daletree and monthly Liasion meetings are held with residents and relevant Council departments about ongoing issues in the estate.

The Environmental Services department carried out a clean up of this area very recently but dumping recurred almost immediately thereafter.

The Litter Warden has undertaken to pay special attention to the problems which have arisen recently in relation to dumping of domestic refuse on the distributor road serving this development and a joint visit with Housing staff will be made to all occupants of the group houses over the coming days to reinforce the message that past behaviour will not be allowed to continue.