Concerns raised over 'disgusting' commercial bins on town street

Concerns have been raised about commercial bins being left on the streets of Athlone and the impact they are having on the town’s streetscape.

At a recent meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke raised the issue of commercial bins left along The Strand.

He said a particular business, "we all know who they are" has multiple general waste and compost bins left along The Strand.

Cllr O’Rourke said he had visited the area on two occasions at the request of local residents.

“On one occasion, the compost bags were overflowing. [There was] grease and foul-smelling materials leaking from the bags out across the new blacktop that we put down following the Main Drainage Works,” he said.

He added that a family of French tourists had also commented on “how disgusting” the bins were.

According to Cllr O’Rourke, the issue has persisted despite efforts by Council staff to address the issue.

“We can no longer allow them to hijack that part of town. We’ve invested a huge amount of money there, and we’re very proud of it. For them to give us the two fingers cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.

He urged the council to find a solution.

District Manager Annie Blessington said the Council had been placing a focus on both commercial and residential bins being left in public areas.

“There are some difficulties in terms of availability of space for commercial premises in terms of housing bins,” she said.

“We are aware of the specific issue, and we continue to work with that party in relation to it.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme