Donegal County Council has ordered two ‘Big Belly Bins’ to be installed at the beachfront in Rathmullan, as calls grow for action on unsightly waste.
The issue of overflowing bins was highlighted to the council by Cllr Pauric McGarvey again this week, as he sought more support for Rathmullan Tidy Towns volunteers struggling with huge amounts being dumped daily.
“These groups are made up of retired, working and respected residents and business people and the mess they are faced with on a daily basis is simply unfair and can’t continue,” Cllr McGarvey said. “Donegal County Council must do more.”
Overflowing bins in Rathmullan. Photos: Cllr Pauric McGarvey
The number of bins and the size of the bins is not sufficient, Cllr McGarvey told the Letterkenny-Milford MD, adding that it’s not just a seasonal issue.
“People must stop putting household waste in the bins and CCTV should be set up to deter and fine the people doing it. Full dog poo bags are thrown around the bases of the bins when they are full and it’s not good enough when there’s not space for them anywhere else,” he said.
“I have witnessed firsthand the mess that’s left to be cleaned and it is embarrassing, I’m a newly elected councillor now living in Rathmullan and I want this to be dealt with by Donegal County Council this can’t continue.”
Cllr McGarvey raised the same issue with the council in April 2023.
He has urged the council to install new functional bins and to find an external company to service the bins and the toilets.
“Rathmullan is a beautiful place with so much to offer and this not the picture it’s sending out when people come to visit the town,” he said.
In response, a spokesperson for the council confirmed that two Big Belly Bins have been ordered for Rathmullan’s beach car park and will be delivered shortly.
“This will assist with the Litter Management in the car park. The various mobile food suppliers that generate litter in the area have a responsibility to assist with the removal of litter,” the response said.
The executive also said they will speak with the Litter Warden to discuss ideas for dealing with the current issues.