The Mayor of Clare is calling for a higher rate of Local Property Tax to be imposed on people found responsible for illegal dumping.
It comes amid a rise in reports of the unauthorised disposal of rubbish in East Clare, with locals claiming the problem is ever-present.
A social media post by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Councillor Alan O’Callaghan this week depicts the magnitude of illegal dumping in Kilkishen and its environs.
The photos show the likes of clothes, fast food packaging, household items and used nappies discarded in up to seven locations on the outskirts of the rural village.
According to the Kilmurry-based Fianna Fáil Councillor, between 80 and 90 full bags of rubbish have been gathered across these sites in recent weeks, with 10 to 12 bags collected in a single evening.
Councillor O’Callaghan says those unable to prove they’re disposing of their waste by legal means should face financial consequences.
The task of responding to the aftermath of illegal dumping is often led to Tidy Towns groups.
Olivia King is the Secretary and Treasurer of Kilkishen Development, which manages the local Tidy Towns group and she claims the culprits are throwing money as well as rubbish away.
In January alone, Clare County Council received 125 waste complaints including 81 in relation to illegal dumping, six regarding dog fouling and five litter complaints.
Kilkishen resident Laura Woods says she doesn’t understand why anyone would want to visit Ireland given how widespread littering is.
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