Dumping disgrace at Ballyheady Cairns site

There appears to be an increase in illegal dumping in various areas and this week The Anglo-Celt highlights the disgraceful activity that is taking place at the scenic route to the Ballyheady Cairns, just off the Killeshandra Road out of Ballyconnell. This very historic site is an integral part of the geopark and people from the local heritage groups, Ballyconnell Town Development and Cllr. Damien Brady are determined that this activity must stop. Cllr. Brady says it is ironic that a state-of-the-art recycling centre is only half a mile down the road, yet these people take the irresponsible decision to drive past it and dumping their rubbish in the Ballyheady forestry area. "It is obvious people are consciously putting their bags of rubbish in the boot of their cars and driving directly to this secluded area. "It is only a small charge of €3 to recycle most of this type of rubbish at the council recycling centre along the Killeshandra Road out of Ballyconnell. It does not matter how many bags you bring to the centre, the charge remains just €3," explained the Sinn Féin representative. "I would plead to the people who are at this illegal activity to immediately desist. It is a disgrace that anybody would do this on the entrance to a historical site in the geopark area," added Cllr. Brady. He said that consideration will have to be given to putting cameras in place. Hefty fines Meanwhile, the litter warden for Co. Cavan, Gerry O'Rourke, told The Anglo-Celt that if evidence is found in any rubbish that is dumped illegally, those identified will face prosecution and hefty fines and expenses. The maximum fine is €3,000, plus €125 per day for everyday the rubbish is there after the court case. If, however, the Council removes the rubbish, it will be seeking costs. Mr. O'Rourke said that unfortunately there has been an increase in illegal dumping around the county in recent times and it costs just €2.50 to bring a bag of waste into the landfill in Cavan. "The big problem we have is the fact that 90% of the rubbish that is being dumped out there at present can be recycled, free of charge, so there is absolutely no excuse for this type of carry-on," he said. Meanwhile, Seanie Cassidy from the heritage group in Ballyconnell said it was outrageous behaviour in an area that is a major part of the geopark. "We in the heritage group wish to see this area developed, so that the access to the site can be enhanced," he said. Mr. Cassidy added that people seem to be reverting to this illegal dumping practice with the increase in taxes of disposing of rubbish legally. "People take the easy option and just dump their rubbish without any care for the mess they are creating. Something radical will have to be done about this activity." They are ready to erect signs in prominent positions in Ballyconnell to indicate the locations of sites like the Ballyheady Cairns. Oliver Brady from the heritage groups in both Templeport and Ballyconnell said that the cairn was an outstanding landmark in the Ballyheady area. "This type of dumping in a scenic area is an absolute disgrace. I wonder how these people would feel if this rubbish was dumped in their own backyard. This activity is premeditated, with people driving here specifically to offload their refuse. The unfortunate thing is that they seem to get away with it, while we all have to pay for disposing of our rubbish," said Mr. Brady. Gary McKiernan and Derek Crowe, both from the Town Development Association said they were outraged that people would continue to engage in this type of irresponsible behaviour. "It is an absolute disgrace to see so much rubbish being flung into a forestry area like this. It is imperative that the litter warden visits this site immediately, with a view to ascertaining if some evidence can be found to catch those responsible. There appears to be a high percentage of bags here from shops in Northern Ireland," said Gary. Derek Crowe said he was shocked by the extent of the dumping. He pointed out that it was also a health and fire hazard in a forestry area.