The Leitrim Observer has received numerous letters on the blight of litter on roadsides throughout the county in recent times, and while many are asking people to be environmentally conscious, the majority have called on Leitrim County Council to take action on the increasing litter situation.

Following representations from Cllr Sean McGowan and Cllr John Ward on the issue of litter, Director of Service, Planning and Environment in Leitrim County Council, Martin Dolan has informed the paper that the council "is taking action."

In a new and pro-active approach to the problem, Leitrim County Council has employed a company to install five cameras around the county in areas "where littering is popular" in an effort to identify the "main litter offenders." Mr Dolan explained that this initiative started over one month ago and the five cameras have already covered 12 areas in the county with many people being identified and issued with fines.

He said "there will be no part of the county not covered" by the cameras which provide the council with the evidence needed to issue on the spot fines of €150 but also to prosecute larger offenders in court.
He said many people do not allow their name or address to be identified in their rubbish, but this camera can pick up car registration numbers and faces, giving the council the information they need to prosecute.

Mr Dolan said the assistance of the public is also necessary to assist in the elimination of the litter problem by persons being prepared to notify the Council when they witness instances of the offence of littering being committed and being prepared to give evidence in the event of prosecution.

He stated that numerous initiatives are ongoing in the county to counteract the growing litter issue which has become so visible to passers-by since the bad weather.

He said "a lot of work is going on" and outlined that there are currently ten "adopt a road" schemes in the county and the council are encouraging the establishment of more such groups with the prospect of providing them with the basic equipment needed for their work, such as gloves, high visability jackets, litter pickers, etc.

He said the council outdoor staff has also been engaged in picking up litter in the county and tidying up the roadside verges. The council are also continuing to work with local groups in the community to provide practical assistance in the removal of collected litter from pre-arranged collection points.

Mr Dolan said the council are actively involved in an educational awareness campaign with all schools in the county both primary and secondary.

He said the council works with An Taisce to educate schools in theory and practise on environmental matters and the importance of litter awareness, this includes the promotion of "Green Flag" schools. He said the problem seems to occur when the young people leave school and start to think it is "not cool to conform."

But despite these campaigns, he is "disappointed" to visibly see the evidence of litter throughout the county.

Martin Dolan said it is important for the county to appear tidy and unspoiled as we enter the tourist season and concluded that Leitrim County Council will do all in their power to help alleviate litter.