Abandoned caravan highlights the diverse dumping problem in Cavan

One of the greatest challenges faced by local authorities at present is dealing with litter pollution. Cavan County council employ a variety of strategies to deal with the problem.

It is a multi faceted problem ranging from casual littering (eg. throwing cigarette buts or food wrappers out car windows) to fly tipping (illegal dumping of household waste in remote locations) to abandoning vehicles.

Local authorities are responsible for keeping public places clear of litter as far as possible. This includes the arrangement of cleaning programmes and the provision and emptying of litter bins.

The range of the problems faced by those tasked with combatting the problem was highlighted last week when a caravan was abandoned at the side of the road in the Glascarrick area of Mullahoran. Locals raised their concerns with The Anglo Celt about the problem. The vehicle appeared overnight and has been there ever since.

Last month it was announced that drones and satellite imagery will be utilised as almost €70,000 was allocated for eight projects in County Cavan to tackle illegal dumping.

A total of €68,975 will be used to fund projects in Kilcogy, Cavan Town, Ballyhaise, Ballyconnell, Dowra Community Environmental Initiative, Killinkere Community Environmental Initiative, Castletara Community Environmental Initiative and the Snugborough Community Environmental Initiative.

Last year’s anti-dumping initiative saw the public and local authorities work together to have 230 black spots nationwide cleaned up, and measures put in place to protect against a return of illegal dumping.