by Gareth Cross

A pilot scheme is being planned to tackle persistent illegal dumping issues in the Derry area.

The scheme also plans to deal with problems surrounding excess waste.

Officers unveiled the plan at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Environment and Regeneration Committee in Strabane last week.

A council officer told the meeting that 'there are some areas throughout the city and district where illegal dumping and the dumping of excess refuse waste is taking place. Some of these areas are high profile main arterial routes and some are private mews lanes'.

"The dumping is continuing and in some instances Council action in clearing sites does not appear to prevent recurrence of further dumping with those responsible taking this as a sign that Council will simply turn up and clear the waste," the officer said.

"This illegal dumping is not only a blight on the image of Derry City and Strabane District it is a major concern for residents, Elected Members and officers alike in terms of health, inward investment and the tourism potential of the district."

The officer said that council would initiate a pilot scheme in two problem areas, Rosemount and Chapel Road/Spencer Road in an attempt to eradicate the issue.

Council's scheme will involve liaising with landlords, community representatives and student bodies and exploring solutions with these groups.

The officer also said that council would 'consider and initiate appropriate enforcement action, where necessary'.

DUP councillor Graham Warke asked if rural areas could be included in the pilot as they are regularly hotspots for illegal dumping.

Alderman Warke asked why there hadn't already been prosecutions related to dumping.

The officer said that council had taken action in the past and that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) was also responsible for large dumping issues.

He told the meeting that the NIEA recently set up a group to tackle illegal dumping across Northern Ireland of which he was a member.

The officer said that the scheme could potentially be rolled out to rural areas.

Independent councillor Patsy Kelly asked if covert cameras could be used to help catch those involved in illegal dumping.

Cllr Kelly suggested that council liaise with Donegal County Council (DCC) and Fermanagh & Omagh District Council to tackle the issue of dumping in border areas.

He asked if council facilities were still handling a large volume of waste from across the border.

The council officer said that CCTV was used and that council already worked with their colleagues in DCC.

He told the meeting that waste from southern vehicles makes up around 14-15% of that in council sites.

The officer said the situation 'goes the other way' as littering on Donegal beaches could be directed at people from this council area.

Sinn Fein councillor Colly Kelly said that the scheme was 'well needed' and asked for a timeline of when it would be introduced to other areas.

The council officer said that council hoped to tailor the approach to specific areas and that it would 'take time to get right'.

SDLP councillor Brian Tierney noted that the situation of dumping at William Street had recently attracted media attention and that it was 'disgusting'.

The officer said that Williams Street was a 'traders issue' and the NIEA had responsibility for the area.

UUP councillor Derek Hussey said that sites tended to build up if left and that there were issues with 'getting NIEA to problems'.

DUP councillor David Ramsey brought up the issue of laneways and said that leaving them untended often leads to them being treated like 'dumping grounds'.

Responding SDLP councillor Gus Hastings said that he believed council 'provided one of the best waste management services in Northern Ireland'.

He told the meeting a similar pilot scheme had been successful in the Strathfoyle area in the past.

The pilot scheme was approved by councillors.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.