COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor Mary Seery-Kearney

Can the Council please report on the level of dumping particularly near bottle banks during Covid 19 and the actions they have taken? Thank you.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council has seen an increased demand on bottle banks throughout the county. The frequency of collections has been increased to address this demand. The total collected during March and April is 42% more than the same period in 2019.

Throughout the Covid 19 crisis and the subsequent implementation of Social Distancing restrictions, South Dublin County Council in conjunction with Waste Collectors and Civic Amenity Site Operators/Collectors, have maintained waste collection services throughout the county. Despite maintaining the level of service, South Dublin County Council has witnessed a sizeable increase of illegal dumping and burning of waste, particularly domestic household waste. The volume of dumped material collected during the months of March and April has increased by 33% compared to the same period in 2019. Conversely, the Council has noted a reduction in the amount of litter being collected from litter bins which is 13% less than the same period in 2019.

To address the illegal dumping activities, Litter Wardens and Public Realm Crews have increased patrols and removed illegally dumped items at the earliest opportunities, whilst taking the necessary health and safety precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Waste Enforcement Officers are carrying out ongoing surveillance of litter pollution black spots. 

Through South Dublin County Council Social Media, the council has sought to highlight the current increase in dumping and has requested the public to play their part.