DONEGAL County Council says it is using CCTV to catch people who illegally dump or leave boxes behind at Dunnes Stores Bottle Banks.
As efforts continue for Letterkenny to be named Ireland’s Tidiest Town, Anne McGowan Chairperson Letterkenny Tidy Towns has joined Donegal County Council in its appeal to stop illegal dumping at the recycling bring banks at Dunnes Stores.
“Letterkenny, is just 7 points behind Killarney – Irelands Tidiest Town. This year once again we are working hard to ensure that Letterkenny edges closer to the coveted Title. To this end it is essential that these facilities at Dunnes Stores together with all other areas of the town continue to be kept in pristine condition”, she said.
After a recent weekend in Letterkenny the recycling bring banks at Dunnes Stores once again fell victim to unnecessary littering and illegal dumping by members of the public.
The recycling facility at Dunnes Stores is extremely popular and is used in a responsible manner by the vast majority of people.
Said Ms McGowan: “There are however many people who after doing their recycling leave all their empty boxes and bags behind leaving the facility in a very unsightly condition and this is in fact littering. On this occasion other people have illegally dumped between 6 – 10 black bags of household waste at this recycling facility.
These actions are “unacceptable and this facility is being closely monitored by the Litter Warden for Donegal County Council and fines for littering and illegal dumping are being issued on a regular basis”, she said.
This site along with others is also monitored using a Covert Surveillance CCTV System which has been rolled out in County Donegal. Images are being recorded for Donegal County Council for evidence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and Waste Management Act 1996.
A council spokeswoman said: “The message must go out there that facilities such as this are providing a much needed and valuable recycling service to the public and cannot be left in such conditions. We must respect this valuable facility by not littering or dumping household waste at this or any other bring bank recycling site.”
For more information on recycling please contact Suzanne Tinney, Waste Awareness Officer, Donegal County Council 074 91 76276 or by email suzanne.tinney@donegalcoco.ie