Dumped car has been 'lying' in Leitrim town for six months

Mattresses, cigarette litter and a dumped car are just some of the litter problems being encountered in Leitrim, a recent local authority meeting heard. 

Leitrim County Council's Litter Management plan for 2025 was discussed at the recent Leitrim County Council meeting.

The report on the plan was discussed by councillors.

Referring to the open days that were held for the public, Cllr Gary Prior (FF) highlighted the issue of the prevalence of certain items being a litter issue.

“Mattresses and cigarette litter emerged as being issues. You would think that people would dispose of litter better. The success of the RETURN programme has shown what can be done,” he stated.

READ MORE: Home care provider is holding an event for Leitrim people 'interested in exploring a rewarding career'

He went on to highlight a particular issue in his area of Ballinamore. “Dog fouling is a problem in Ballinamore. Perhaps an increased number of bins are needed to help with the problem of dog fouling,” he commented.

In response, Council Director of Services Vincent Dwyer told the meeting, “we provide a costly service. However, the responsibility rests with the dog owner. It is very difficult to keep bins emptied at all times.”

Dwyer went on to outline some of the overall national methodology employed in relation to litter.

This drew the response from Cllr Maeve Reynolds (FG), “surveys aren't the bigger issue, what is being thrown on the roadside is.”

In relation to the issue of abandoned cars, Vincent Dwyer told the meeting that, “we try and identify the owners of these cars and we write to them. Most of these cases are resolved by agreement. The majority of people involved are prepared to move their cars when they are notified. We rarely have to prosecute.”

Cllr Felim Gurn (Ind) drew attention to an abandoned car in Manorhamilton. “There is a car lying in Manorhamilton for six months. It is a Northern registered car. It is an eyesore,” he stated.