It’s feared Clare won’t feel any real benefits from a €3 million fund to tackle the scourge of illegal dumping.
The government-provided fund is a 50% increase on what was allocated last year and includes the provision for the rollout of drones to identify those responsible.
But concern is being expressed that it’s still far from being enough.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton has announced increased funding of €3 million for the government’s Anti-Dumping Initiative this year.
It will fund the purchase of drones, which will be used as a deterent for would-be dumpers as well as helping catch those who illegally dump their waste.
Since 2017, some 5,000 tonnes of rubbish has been removed under the programme from some of Ireland’s most notorious blackspots.
While she has welcomed the move, Inagh Green Party local election candidate Róisín Garvey isn’t sure that figure is enough.
Half of this year’s fund – €1.5 million – will be specifically ringfenced for tackling blackspots around the country, where dumping has proven a persistent issue.
Awareness campaigns and special collections for bulky items will also be rolled out.
Bodyke Fine Gael Councillor Joe Cooney, who’s chair of the county’s Physical Development Committee, which has responsibility for the environment, is welcoming the news.
He feels it’ll bolster the efforts already being made here in Clare to clamp down on the issue.
