COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor K. Egan

"That this committee consider appointing a litter warden in Clondalkin village on a Tuesday evening for a few hours to combat the massive surge of litter being deposited  by users of the local take away (Four star pizza). This is an ongoing problem and needs to be addressed."

REPORT:

Section 6 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, (the Act) requires the occupier of a public place to keep the premises and adjoining area free of litter, regardless of how the litter got there.

Where it is apparent that an occupier of a premises is contravening Section 6 of the Act, or that precautionary measures are required to prevent the creation of litter, the Council may serve a Notice (under Section 9 of the Act) on the occupier of the premises, requiring the occupier to remove the litter or take precautionary measures specified in the Notice, which the Council considers necessary. Failure to comply with a Notice may result in the issuing of a litter fine to the occupier.

While it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of Section 9 Notices issued in the Clondalkin Electoral Area, a total of 112 Notices have been issued in the County to date in 2016.

The Litter Warden has reported that all the businesses in the Clondalkin Village area are aware of their obligations under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended. Working with the business community and adopting a reasonable approach has proven to be successful.  However, a zero tolerance approach is taken with repeat offenders. 

This area in the vicinity of Four Star Pizza was inspected early on the mornings of Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th June 2016 and no evidence was found to indicate a specific litter problem at this premises.  

It has also been noted that this business has committed to addressing litter problems associated with disguarded packaging from their products and similar commitments from other fast food outlets throughout the county would be most welcome.