Louth County Council is being pressed to step up action on the growing problem of unused waste bins being left around Drogheda.
Fianna Fáil councillor James Byrne has raised concerns that abandoned bins are becoming a public eyesore and are particularly frustrating for residents who make an effort to keep their neighbourhoods clean and attractive. He says bins that are no longer in use should be taken back by waste collection companies instead of being left on streets and in green areas.
Councillor Byrne pointed out that the council already has powers under existing byelaws to issue fines and pursue prosecutions where bins are left out on non collection days or dumped without identification. A fixed penalty notice of seventy five euro can be issued in such cases, but he believes stronger enforcement is needed.
He also highlighted difficulties faced by the council in identifying who owns certain bins, saying waste operators are often slow to provide information. According to Councillor Byrne, local authorities need to adopt a tougher approach when it comes to enforcing licences issued to bin companies, adding that operators must take greater responsibility for bins they supply.
