“The countryside is a destroyed” Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, told a meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council during a discussion on illegal dumping.

Wexford County Council is waging a war against illegal dumping across the county, but there are serious concerns about the problem in Enniscorthy town and rural hinterland and members have requested urgent action after the matter was raised at recent meetings of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

A number of problem areas were highlighted with a particular focus around the Vinegar Hill area and along national routes.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said “the countryside is destroyed” and she felt the €2 charge was a mistake. Cllr Paddy Kavanagh was in agreement.

Cllr Oliver Walsh welcomed the Rapid Rsponse Crew, and Cllr John O’Rourke was impressed by “Wexford County Council’s zero tolerance approach,” and he noted particular problems in housing estates and back alleys.

Acting Director of Services, Pádraig O’Gorman, told the meeting that it is proposed to erect CCTV at particular hotspots around the county, however, members were concerned about a €2 charge at recycling centres, and Mr O’Gorman confirmed that the initiative was introduced in the County Litter Plan.

Cllr Keith Doyle, Cathaoirleach, suggested that signage be erected in the illegal dumping hotspots around county listing the number of prosecutions made by Wexford County Council in these areas.

Cllr Murphy asked if it was intended to extend the 2K Community Clean Up Scheme to the Enniscorthy District. “It has been a great success in the Gorey District,” she noted.

This is a story that has dominated many council meetings and it is likely to run and run.