JPC: Beach ‘litter vandals’ should be named and shamed, says Conway

Calls were made to raise fines and name and shame repeat “litter vandals” during a discussion at the Joint Policing Committee meeting in relation to the beach bylaws.

Senator Martin Conway, who was recently co-opted onto the Joint Policing Committee said, “We can only describe these people as litter vandals” in reference to the problems at beaches.

“I’m aware of people who were observed dumping less than 20 yards from where people were cleaning. It is very disheartening to be cleaning up and see others abusing it and dumping rubbish. I am calling for the fines to be increased, and I know this will mean a change in legislation or at the very least a direction of the minister,” he said.

“I also believe if someone is caught more than once dumping there should be a name and shame policy. It seems to be the only way to deal with this. The litter vandalism that we have seen in this county is something that is appalling. We need to focus on how we can deal with this in an educational way and see if anything can be done at primary level to let children know this is unacceptable”.

During a presentation given by Ms Mary Skehan, administrative officer in the environment section of Clare County Council, it was highlighted that additional resources have been provided to deal with the problem of littering at Clare’s beaches and scenic spots.

According to Clare County Council, additional bins have been provided at Clare’s busiest beaches and a crew are in place collecting rubbish at these locations from early morning to 8pm.

“Our crews empty the bins and extra street is sweeping taking place. We have carried out additional beach, clean-ups with the help of the community such as in Lahinch,” Ms Skehan said.

She added that in the main “late night parties and people going to fast food outlets” are primary contributors to the litter problem on Clare’s beaches and that this was something which “is difficult to control”.

She said the local authority has been in contact with the owners of fast food outlets at beach resorts about the issue.  Ms Skehan also explained that another issue that is causing “quite a problem” for the council is householders and those staying in caravan parks “using the bins to dispose of their domestic waste”.

“We have launched a media campaign to make them aware that shouldn’t happen. If people are there as a holiday maker there should be legitimate means to dispose of this rubbish,” she said.

Councillor Michael Hillery said we were a long way from our counterparts on the continent when it comes to beach cleanliness. “I know of a person who saw a person take two black bins out of his boot and put them into these bins. It is very hard to uncover these things. We’ve a long way to go here from the way they treat their beaches in the continent. It’s sending out the wrong message to our tourists,” he said.

Chairman of the community and County Councillor, Joe Arkins also voiced his frustration. “I don’t understand why people think they have a god given right to leave litter, the same in bottle banks, it is totally irresponsible,” he said.

Also commenting, Deputy Timmy Dooley said that while there are options to enhance the bylaws or increase fines this was not enough without enforcement.

Environmental Officer for Clare County Council Joan Tarmey said the council is working with schools to teach respect for the environment and specifically to beaches and outlined that an awareness campaign was run with schools in June at blue flag locations.

She added that enforcem ent is the key and there is the facility to issue on the spot fines, but she added that with enforcement it is vital to have evidence of the littering.

She highlighted that there had been a significant upsurge in visitors to Clare’s beach ­locations with the good weather and stressed that both council and voluntary groups initiating clean up operations should be acknowledged for their efforts.