Latest dumping in Baylin bog a "disgrace"

Cllr Frankie Keena has described the recent illegal disposal of litter in Baylin Bog as a "total disgrace." He said: "The individual who drove into this bog last Wednesday evening to dump the waste needs to be identified and severely fined. On visiting the area I found bottles and cans thrown all over the roadway, refuse bags thrown in drains and along the grass verges, it is just hard to imagine the mentality of the person who did this." Cllr Keena continued: "Over the last few days I had received phone calls from locals in this area who equally share my annoyance and anger, as this is a blatant abuse of our bogs and countryside where some people work to save fuel for their homes and also some like to have leisurely walks". He said the waste was a combination of domestic, garden and garage materials. "I invited Westmeath County Council's litter warden to examine the waste last Friday and I am delighted to report that a paper trail identification was found within the rubbish linking the disposal to a household in Athlone." Cllr Keena added that he would be ensuring that a severe fine is issued to the residents in this house. "This type of blatant abuse to our countryside needs to be stamped out and the only way to do this is to name and shame. Unfortunately the bogs and forestry around Baylin, Moydrum and Tully are being targeted by these scrupulous people, but I want to put this warning out to them that there is a very strong community in these areas who keep a close watch on their bogs and countryside," he concluded.