Illegal dumping and littering in North Kildare area highlighted
The issues were brought to the attention of Kildare County Council by a local councillor
Kildare County Council (KCC) was asked about what actions it is taking to address littering and illegal dumping in the Kilcock area.
The question was put to KCC by Fianna Fail Cllr Paul Ward at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting, which took place on Friday, April 10 last.
Specifically, he asked KCC to outline 'what actions are being taken [by KCC] to address littering and illegal dumping in the Kilcock area'.
He also asked KCC about whether or not 'increased enforcement is being considered, especially in the Bawnogues area'.
In response to his queries, KCC issued a lengthy report to Cllr Ward.
The report read as follows: "KCC’s recently adopted Litter Management Plan outlines the council’s actions for litter control and prevention and highlights areas where collaboration with others is sought to enhance these efforts.
"The plan details objectives focused on preventing and controlling litter, alongside initiatives to boost public awareness.
"Special emphasis is placed on educational and informational strategies designed to promote prevention."
KCC continued: "The Council actively supports a variety of anti-littering programmes; these include National Spring Clean, Green Kilometre, Picker Pals, support for Tidy Towns groups, and school and community clean-up events.
"In larger towns, KCC operates a robust street cleaning service managed through Municipal District offices; this includes the servicing of public litter bins throughout the county, ensuring cleanliness and proper waste management."
KCC added: "Records indicate that the Bawnogues area in Kilcock is not prone to illegal dumping.
"However, following recent correspondence from Cllr Ward, the Community Warden carried out an inspection of the area, and found two bags of rubbish – both containing old clothes – along with two small bags of stone.
"These have subsequently been removed."
Cllr Ward in turn replied that he was 'delighted' with the report.
He also commended KCC’s Environmental Section for quickly removing the dumped bags from the area.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul Ward. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie