Councillor says Listowel housing estate worst area for illegal dumping

A Listowel councillor says a housing estate laneway in the town is the worst area in Kerry for illegal dumping.

At the request of Sinn Féin councillor Tom Barry, Kerry County Council’s litter wardens will carry out increased patrols of the laneway at the back of O’Connell’s Avenue.

Cllr Barry said this has been going on for a number of years now.

At the recent Listowel Municipal District meeting, Cllr Barry asked Kerry County Council to use all measures available to it to stop the dumping of rubbish and household materials in the laneway at the rear of O’Connell’s Avenue.

He said it’s happened people can’t get oil trucks close enough to their homes to deliver home heating oil because of rubbish in the way, and likewise for turf deliveries.

The Sinn Féin councillor said he believes there isn’t a worse area in this county for dumping, and it’s head wrecking for residents and for council staff.

Kerry County Council’s reply stated the environment section will arrange for increased patrols of this area of Listowel by litter wardens, to deter dumping activities and ascertain any further interventions which may be necessary.

Cllr Barry said CCTV could be looked at, but he’s aware GDPR is an issue.

Council engineer Colm Nagle, said data is being collected on the situation there through feedback from the litter wardens, and this will help assess whether it’s a suitable site for CCTV or for other measures, such as signage or increased public lighting.

He said this is a necessary step in the council’s process.