Shannon Shopkeeper Claims Litter Problem Has Become Unmanageable

Clare FM

A Shannon shopkeeper has hit out over litter levels in the area, describing the situation as "unmanageable". Fresh calls are being made for additional bins to be provided in the town, amid complaints of consistent and widespread littering. Shannon is the latest community in Clare where littering, illegal dumping and fly tipping are being reported. The Drumgeely area, which consists of houses, apartments, as well as a number of businesses, is currently benefitting from improvement works as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The works have resulted, however, in the temporary removal of a number of bins, which locals say has led to a spike in littering in the vicinity. Sean Moran is the owner of the Daybreak shop in Drumgeely and he claims it's impossible to keep a handle on rubbish outside his business. The frequent sight of rubbish on the ground in Drumgeely has partially been attributed to crows swooping down and tearing bins apart. Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District, Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan, who's previously described the council's 'Leave No Trace' litter policy as 'not fit for purpose', believes the type of bins being installed in the area should be revised. Five complaints of littering were made to Clare County Council last month alone, bringing the total number for this year to date to 41. In a statement to Clare FM, the local authority says "as part of the public realm construction works, it was a necessary requirement to remove some of the bins" at Drumgeely, but "all permanent bins have now been installed". It goes on to say it's important the message of personal responsibility "continues to be consistently promoted in Shannon and indeed throughout Co. Clare". Shannon Independent local election candidate, Keith McNamara insists the council must "pull up its socks" and provide more bins as a means of addressing the scourge of litter in the town.