COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor M. Ward

"That the Chief Executive provide a report on the amount of illegal dumping along St Cuthbert's Road and the "Ring Road" in Bawnoge during 2016 including the cost to the council and the number of successful prosecutions.? Furthermore that there is an update into the provision of anti-dumping signs in this area.''

REPLY:

In 2016, the Enforcement and Licensing Section received 86 complaints for the overall Bawnogue area, which incorporates St. Cuthberts, Lindisfarne, Melrose, Deansrath, Kilcronan, Kilmahuddrick and Bawnogue Road.

It is not possible to isolate costings for removal of illegal dumping by specific area, however resources involved in such costings include: Warden Service /Public Realm / Administrative staff costs, waste disposal / fleet etc.

As a result of the Litter Warden investigations of complaints one (1) fine issued and four (4) warning letters/notices issued. Nearly all of the above illegal dumping sites/cases investigated resulted in no evidence being found, or no witness statements being received, therefore no further action could be taken. 

It is, as always, proving extremely difficult to obtain evidence in relation to the identity of offenders, and we continue to encourage residents and the public at large to support the Council in efforts to identify alleged polluters and to provide the necessary information to allow appropriate enforcement action to be taken. In the absence of clear and substantive evidence, or witness statements and the presence of such witnesses in court it will not be possible to bring successful prosecutions.

In line with requests for signage, provision of 'no dumping' signs are assessed on a case by case basis.  Signage is not considered to be a panacea, however, where signage is erected, its effectiveness is monitored to establish its success rate.