Scourge of illegal dumping harming Fingal landscape

      - Increased resources needed to clamp down on illegal dumping and fly-tipping -
                 - Funding secured for Matt Lane and Gardeners Hill, Balriggan -  
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has expressed concern that despite a Government initiative to tackle illegal dumping, rubbish is continuing to be left in public spaces and on roadsides throughout the North County.

In March, the Communications Minister launched the 2017 anti-dumping initiative; however a number of serious incidents have been reported to Deputy O’Brien since then.

“The scale of illegal dumping is growing increasingly severe across the North County. Our beautiful coastal landscape and beaches attract droves to the area but they are becoming blighted by fly-tipping,” explained Deputy O’Brien.


“Bags of rubbish and other household refuse are being dumped beside children’s playgrounds and widely used public spaces. All the while, dog fouling and cigarette butts continue to be matters of public health concern that affect families and the broader environment

“Minister Naughten recently spoke of a new €650,000 funded anti-dumping initiative, some of which will be specifically allocated to Matt Lane and Gardenders Hill in Balbriggan. This area is just one of many litter black spots across the county. 


"I very much welcome this funding however, my greatest worry is that despite this allocation I fear things are actually getting worse instead of seeing an overall improvement in the situation,,” he added.

“Surveillance is essential in clamping down on this issue and we need to increase the resources that are currently available to properly police illegal dumping across the two counties. Unless the necessary resources were allocated to implement the Minister’s plans, the problem will continue to persist.



“Initiatives and grand plans are all well and good, but we really need to see the resources allocated to the County Councils to ensure action on the ground. The relevant authorities have to enforce the waste laws and impose greater fines to deal with the problem.”