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A Newry City councillor has praised volunteers who recently carried out a litter pick in the Fathom area, while calling on council and statutory agencies to do more to tackle littering and illegal dumping across the district. Councillor Cathal King has also confirmed a series of further clean-ups are in the pipeline for the weeks ahead.
Sinn Féin activists recently carried out a litter pick along the Elisholding Slip Road as part of efforts to address environmental neglect in the Fathom area. Cllr King described it as a positive community effort but was clear that responsibility should not fall solely on local people. Further clean-ups are already planned, with a Killean Community Clean-Up scheduled for Monday 4 May. Additional litter picks in Meigh and Carrivemaclone are also expected to be announced shortly. Cllr King said everyone is welcome to get involved and can contact the party directly for more information.
Cllr King recently put forward a motion at Council to explore the use of solar-powered CCTV systems to strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping and fly-tipping. The motion was agreed and officers are now progressing a feasibility study and business case.
He also pointed to ongoing work within council to deliver health and safety training that would allow workers to safely access motorway areas and remove litter that has become visible following recent hedge cutting carried out by the Department for Infrastructure.
Cllr King said he wanted to see departments working together to ensure litter is dealt with promptly, so that communities are not left managing the consequences by themselves.
Summing up his position, Cllr King said: "Communities are stepping up. Council must now do the same."
