Bins are out, as new waste system comes in at Athlone Marina

The dumping of deck chairs and other non-boating waste in bins at Athlone Marina has been cited as one of the reasons for changes to the waste disposal regime at the town centre facility.

Bottle banks at the Marina were recently removed, and the council circulated notices saying that bins would no longer be provided there from today (April 16).

At a meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District on Monday, the town's Mayor, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, said he recently examined the waste system at the Marina and agreed that changes were necessary.

"I lifted the lid on one of the large general waste bins down there and found deck chairs, paint cans, and a barbecue unit. None of those things should have been in the bin, and yet they practically filled the bin," said Cllr O'Rourke.

District Manager Jackie Finney said it was decided that there were "too many large bins, which were an eyesore" at the Marina.

There had been "issues with dumping and non-tourism, non-boat-related waste" going into the bins.

She said a new system of waste disposal would be introduced for people using the Marina, and that it would encourage recycling.

"We will ensure that there is a continuation of a waste disposal service there. It will be appropriately priced, and will be on the basis of polluter pays."

She said the bottle banks at the Marina had to be relocated for health and safety reasons.

"The lorries can't reverse down to get to them, so they're being relocated to a more appropriate location, which is a public area close by. There will still be access for people to recycle their bottles close to the Marina."

The Marina had a very busy year in 2020, and Ms Finney said it was anticipated that this year would be similar.

"We know that it was very well-used last year. It was a bumper year for cruisers and boat hire, and from Fáilte Ireland's indications it will be similar again this year, with people taking staycations."