Galway City Council and the local community in Ballybane are joining forces to combat litter and illegal dumping in the area. The initial workshop took place last week (Friday 10 April), with participants engaging to set out a path to combat litter and dumping hotspots over a 12-month project. The project will partner with local residents, community representatives, An Garda Síochána, the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA) and staff from Housing, Community, Recreation and Amenity, Climate Action and Environment Sections.
Over the past number of weeks, staff from Galway City Council have developed a programme of action, utilising funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s ‘Anti-Dumping Initiative’ for delivery - with the first visible action being the removal of scrub and bushes at a litter hotspot adjacent to a shop in Ballybane Neighbourhood Village.
The project will continue over the coming year, targeting litter and illegal dumping through enforcement, prevention, abatement and education.
David Walsh, Waste Enforcement Officer, Galway City Council said, “Communities in Ballybane have a long tradition of anti-litter initiatives including litter picks; planting; the ‘Last Wolf of Merlin’ mural and Irish poem on Sruthán Mhuirlinne; mural and planting projects in Sliabh Rua and Fána Glas; and taking ownership and caring for green spaces. Unfortunately, there are still a number of litter and dumping hotspots which remain problem areas, which is reflected in the IBAL results every year. We are looking to address these issues through a community-led project, underpinned by principles of participation, empowerment, local leadership and collective action to build sustainable, community-owned change. Enforcement will play a key role in tackling blackspots – Galway City Council Waste Enforcement staff will be working closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure those responsible are penalised for illegal dumping and causing a blight on the work being done at a local level. This will include using CCTV and mobile covert cameras during peak dumping periods in problem areas”.
Initiatives planned as part of the 12-month project include walkabouts to identify hidden dumping spots, litter migration patterns, poorly lit or isolated areas, and locations where bins are needed.
Environmental action days focused on enforcement will take place, with Galway City Council, An Garda Síochána and WERLA conducting household waste collection service inspections, investigating illegally dumped waste and operating checkpoints for waste collectors operating illegally. CCTV will be installed at agreed hotspots, or deployed as mobile covert cameras during peak dumping periods.
The project will also make dumping physically more difficult, and legitimate waste disposal easier. For example, improving lighting at hotspots; enhancing sightlines by removing vegetation in green areas to prevent litter build up; the repurposing of secluded or popular dumping spots to restrict access for example, community gardens; and community supports including waste-management workshops.
Community Clean ups will continue, with further mural projects planned – similar to previous works such as the ‘Last Wolf of Merlin’ Project, along with installation of planters and seating.
Interested residents or partners are welcome to engage with the project by contacting the Environment Department at Galway City Council on 091 536 400 or Environment.Section@GalwayCity.ie
Follow our social media accounts or www.GalwayCity.ie for updates on this project.
This community-led project aligns with the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA) pillars of Enforcement, Prevention, Abatement and Education. These initiatives are supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s ‘Anti-Dumping Initiative’ 2026.
