20/03/2015 - The public can make a difference!

Donegal County Council’s litter wardens have praised to proactive approach of a number of communities in the war against litter.

Warden Brian McBrearty points to recent successful clean up operations at Trusk Lough outside Ballybofey and at Doneyloop near Castlefin.

“The scenic walk around Trusk Lough is popular so when we were notified that a road beside it was being used to dump and was full of all kinds of trash, we were only too happy to step in.

“I wouldn’t mind but 90% of what we took away could easily be recycled. This included tins and bottles. The area also showed traces of illegal burning and this is not a safe practice either. The area in question is part of the Pilgrims Way and would be fairly well used by recreational walkers.

Brian revealed that the dump also included a substantial quantity of tractor tyres.

“There were around 40 in all. At first I thought someone took them up to make a road into the bog. Sometimes people used them as a foundation. Getting rid of them was expensive. It cost us around €10-€15 to get each tyre disposed and that’s an expensive enough job and it’s public money. We will be monitoring this area with CCTV from now on.”

He added the more people that could help them the better.

“We are grateful for being tipped off about this dump as we are restricted in what we can do so if people even let us know where these illegal dumps are this would be a big help,” he said.

The latest illegal dump discovered in the county was found at Fern Hill near Doneyloop just outside Castlefin recently (March 13). Once again a concerned member of the public alerted Brian and his men to the problem.

“The contents included paper, plastic, cardboard, metal, broken furniture and some food remnants.  These contents will be rigorously checked for any evidence that may identify the person or persons responsible for this illegal activity. This area will also be closely monitored over the coming months for any further activity, said Brian.

He added this week they had also received reports of dumping along the road between Drumkeen and Letterkenny near Corravaddy wood and were investigating.

Not far away at Kilross outside Stranorlar he revealed they had dealt with a couple thousand wine and beer left down a country lane.

“It would have been easier for the person who had these to go to bottle bank in Convoy. We went to great deal of hassle to clear this mess up and it was only done thanks to great help from the landowner concerned.

“If we can clean it up we will do it. If a community or a group of walkers want to take the initiative we’d welcome their assistance too. All forms of help is needed and appreciated. The public can make a difference”, said the litter warden.

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