More CCTV cameras and a dedicated task force are needed to stop illegal dumping on Leeside, a Cork TD says.
Sinn Féin reps are calling for increased video surveillance in city areas with long-term issues with fly-tipping – such as the Ballyvolane road – and for the Council to establish a new “multi-agency Dumping Taskforce”. This group would work to identify further litter hotspots and tackle the “complexities” that lead to fly-tipping.
Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould and Cllr Michelle Gould said these actions are ‘urgently’ needed given the impact littering has on local communities. They added that derelict and empty homes in the city must also be restored to use as their gardens are ‘magnets’ for illegal dumping.
A number of Leesiders have also raised issues with littering in recent weeks – reporting incidents where used syringes were found abandoned in public. Back in October 2024, the owner of city restaurant Greenwich, Dermot O’Sullivan, complained of finding used needles on his business’ doorstep ‘almost every day.’ He said it was a clear sign something needed to be done about the rampant open drug use taking place in Cork city.
Back in November 2024, a bag full of used syringes and bloodstained wipes was also found near a school just outside of the city. It’s believed the bag – which was torn and had spread a number of needles around the area – had been dumped from a property where regular drug use is occurring.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said: “Installing CCTV on the Ballyhooly road is a step forward but it is also not the panacea for all dumping in Cork city or even the North East. We need to see multiple targeted interventions to prevent this. Some of this must involve making waste collection easier by taking back control of our waste services and reducing the opportunities for dumping by bringing vacant homes back to use.
“We know that currently empty Council, and privately owned homes, are magnets for dumping. Leaving them to rot for years on end damages communities and, when used for dumping, causes public health and environmental concerns.
“We also believe that regeneration of green spaces used for dumping would reduce the potential opportunities. These projects could be further progressed through the development of a Dumping Taskforce.”
Cllr Michelle Gould added: “I know, from speaking to people, that dumping can be really disheartening for communities who do their best. They shouldn’t be punished for the actions of a small few people and it is Council’s job now to make sure that dumping is reduced.
“Not only does it destroy green spaces and ruin the image of an area but it attracts rats and other vermin. I hope that the installation of CCTV on the Ballyhooly road is part of a much larger initiative to finally target dumping hotspots.”