Drugs paraphernalia dumped in Louth alleyway

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Drugs paraphernalia including syringes are being dumped in an alleyway within a residential area of Dundalk, councillors heard at the January meeting of Dundalk Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Robbie Nash said he had serious concerns about dumping in a laneway off Quay Street.

"There is an awful lot of rubbish being dumped there, and a lot of drugs paraphernalia, especially in Peter Street, residents are asking if the roads crews could be sent down, maybe once a week.”

He told the meeting that he had been in touch with Dundalk Simon Community in relation to the concerns raised by local residents.

Dundalk Simon operate a residential facility in the area.

Cllr. Nash said residents had asked about ongoing access being gained to the laneway on Peter Street.

The meeting heard this was private property and not the responsibility of Louth County Council.

However local residents were calling for a gate to be installed on the alleyway at Peter Street.

“But I don’t know, from a fire safety point of view, who is responsible, can the residents put a gate there themselves?

Access to the alleyway would be needed for the fire service, as there are flats in the area, he added.

He appealed for a solution to be found, saying: “It is happening regularly, people are going down the alleyway to use drugs, and there are a lot of syringes and rubbish being left behind.

Patrick Callan, Executive Engineer at Louth County Council, said the ownership of the alleyway would need to be determined.

"I’ll check this out and see where we can go with it,” said Mr. Callan.

He added that he would reach out to the contractor they have in the area to seek more clear ups of any rubbish dumped in Quay Street.