A pilot scheme trialing new illegal dumping surveillance measures is being proposed for the Clarecastle area.
It follows complaints of repeated environmental crime at a prominent historical and recreational site on the outskirts of the Clare village.
Visitors to the Clareabbey Greenway last week were greeted by the sight of large refuse sacks, clothing, bed linen and loose rubbish discarded near the entrance to the thoroughfare.
It’s not the first time this has been observed in the area, with over 100 complaints related to illegal dumping having been made about Clareabbey in the last 15 years.
Last week’s scenes have prompted local representatives and activists to call for urgent action such as the implementation of surveillance measures.
The use of CCTV and drones has been enabled in recent months, as Minister of State Ossian Smyth has signed off on regulations empowering local authorities to take such steps in sights blighted by litter.
Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan believes that because of the extent of the problem at Clareabbey, the measure must come into play there first.
Over the first three months of the year, 257 litter and illegal dumping complaints were received by Clare County Council.
Last month alone, 96 were recorded which resulted in 10 fines being issued.
Following the recent display in Clarecastle, local Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has echoed the call for increased surveillance, so environmental criminals can get their just desserts.
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