Funding secured for anti-dumping initiative

Roscommon County Council has secured funding of €110,000 to deliver a range of anti-dumping projects in the Ballaghaderreen area and throughout County Roscommon.

Regrettably, the wider Ballaghaderreen area has been affected by incidents of repeated illegal dumping in recent years. Many of the items found during subsequent clean-up operations were easily recyclable.

The new funding was received from the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead

Authority (WERLA) as part of the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2023. Community clean ups, a bulky goods collection, and awareness raising activities and a new all-in-one household waste management guide will be supported by this funding.

In 2022 Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team received a significant number of illegal dumping reports, which included littering, fly tipping and backyard burning. Littering and unlawful waste disposal are subject to an on-the spot fine of €150 with a fine of up to €5,000 upon conviction.

Unauthorised waste collectors advertise to collect household waste for a reduced cost and may not dispose of such waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team often find household waste illegally dumped in scenic areas or by the roadside.

Households, apartments and commercial premises in the Ballaghaderreen area can expect a visit from Roscommon County

Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team during the month of June.

Householders will be obliged to show documentary proof, such as receipts, statements or other proof of payment that they are disposing of waste legally through a kerbside collection or authorised waste facility.

Failure to comply with the bye-law on Waste Presentation can lead to a fixed penalty notice of €75 or, if convicted in court, to a penalty of up to €2,500.

These bye-laws allow Roscommon County

Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement Team to demand proof from homes and businesses that they are using an authorised waste disposal service. The bye laws are intended to tackle increasing levels of illegal dumping and households refusing to sign up to a waste collection service.

“The public are being reminded to always deal with their waste in a responsible manner and to use an authorised waste collector. Waste and recycling services are available at our Civic

Amenity Sites and network of 38 bring bank sites.” said Jonathan Jones, Environment Education and Awareness Officer, for Roscommon County Council.

Roscommon County Council are encouraging all community groups, organisations and individuals within Ballaghaderreen to get involved with a clean-up in the local area.

Please contact the Environmental Education and Awareness Officer at envawareness@ roscommoncoco.ie for further details.