COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, February 27, 2017

QUESTION NO. 4

QUESTION: Councillor C. McCann

"To ask the Chief Executive what measures are being taken to address the issue of abandoned/uninsured vehicles in the Springfield area?"

REPLY:

"The Council is aware of the apparent escalation of abandoned vehicles within South Dublin County administrative area and as reported recently, the issue appears to be nationwide and is being considered at local and regional level by WERLA.

It should be noted that certain complaints of ‘abandoned’ cars are solely traffic matters and these should be referred directly to the Gardai.

Similarly, other reports relate solely to ‘nuisance vehicles’ are not in fact abandoned, such as:

*             Vehicles poorly parked

*             Vehicles causing an obstruction

*             Vehicles involved in residential parking disputes

*             Broken down vehicles

*             Untaxed and uninsured vehicles. 

The Council continues to review management of the issue, and in the main exercises the provisions of Section 71 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended, which provides for the investigate of vehicles reported, ownership checks / inquiries / communications with the owners (Where known), removal and taking ownership of abandoned vehicles.

Generally speaking, it can take up to 6 weeks to work through the statutory process as provided for under the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended, which also provides for the vehicle to become the property of the Council and to facilitate removal to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).

The specific issue of uninsured vehicles is a matter for the Gardai who have responsibility for enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts."