CITY Hall has carried out a major crackdown on illegal dumping at a popular city walkway.

The problem of rampant, large-scale dumping along the Lee Road, close to the waterworks, has been an issue for some time.

Bags of rubbish have been discarded in the river, on the roadside and on the riverbank of the much-loved area of the city, often frequented by walkers and cyclists.

In recent weeks, Cork City Council carried out a large-scale clean up of the area with funding from Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten under his department’s 2018 Anti Dumping Initiative.

CCTV has also been installed at various locations along the river in an attempt to deter and identify dumpers.

Cork City Council Senior Executive Engineer Tony T O’Sullivan said: “Residents contacted us as they were tired of what was taking place in their community. This kind of behaviour also has an impact on the aquatic life in the river and it also affects the operation of the waterworks.”

Mr O’Sullivan also warned the public about ongoing scams known as ‘man in a van’ services.

“We are also asking householders to be aware of illegal dumping activity and especially the ‘man in a van’ service. There are a number of operators offering to take away all of your domestic waste rather than pay for kerbside collection or the use of civic amenity sites.

“Many of these operators are unpermitted and have been known to bring household waste to remote areas to illegally dispose of waste. Unfortunately, if evidence is found in this waste which relates back to the householder, there are repercussions. We are asking householders if they know of anyone operating these services to please make contact with us.”

The act of dumping or littering carries a fine of €150 along with the threat of possible prosecution under the Waste Management Act.