Cork officials urge for enhanced surveillance and a taskforce to tackle fly-tipping issues in the city
They want to see more video surveillance in areas like Ballyvolane road, which has been a hotspot for fly-tipping. The idea is to set up a “multi-agency Dumping Taskforce” to pinpoint litter trouble spots and address the issues causing this mess.
Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould and Cllr Michelle Gould stress that these steps are urgently needed. They believe that fixing up derelict homes is crucial since their gardens often attract illegal dumping.
Recently, locals have voiced concerns about litter, including reports of used syringes found in public spaces. A restaurant owner, Dermot O’Sullivan, mentioned he finds needles outside his business almost daily, highlighting the need for action against open drug use in the city.
In another incident, a bag of used syringes was discovered near a school, believed to have been dumped from a property where drug use is common.
Thomas Gould pointed out that while installing CCTV on Ballyhooly road is a good start, it’s not a complete solution. He argues for multiple targeted actions to tackle the problem, including making waste collection easier and reviving vacant homes.
He noted that empty homes, both Council-owned and private, are often dumping grounds. Leaving them abandoned harms communities and raises public health and environmental concerns.
Gould also mentioned that revitalizing green spaces used for dumping could help reduce these issues. He believes a Dumping Taskforce could drive these projects forward.
Cllr Michelle Gould added that dumping can be disheartening for communities trying their best. She emphasized that the Council must step up to reduce dumping, as it not only damages green spaces but also attracts pests.
She hopes the CCTV installation on Ballyhooly road is just the beginning of a broader effort to tackle dumping hotspots effectively.
