Cork County Council officials unsure over warden powers

Senior officials at Cork County Council have no idea if incoming community wardens will have the power to issue on-the-spot litter fines or have a role in combating an epidemic of dog fouling.

Two community wardens are to be employed in each of the council’s eight municipal districts, but their roles and powers have yet to be clearly defined.

Crosshaven-based Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley asked officials attending a meeting of the council’s Southern Division in County Hall what roles the community wardens would have. 

She said she was disappointed to hear senior officials from the environment directorate say they didn’t know yet if they would have the powers she was seeking.

“That should be a key role for them. Litter is a seasonal problem in places like Crosshaven and they should be combating it,” Ms Buckley said.

She said the number of litter fines issued across the county “is so low” that community wardens need to be involved in anti-littering enforcement.

Ms Buckley was informed by officials that once they have clarity on their roles, county councillors will be informed of them.

Fianna Fáil councillor Sheila O’Callaghan asked that if community groups find receipts in dumped rubbish which could pinpoint the identity of the culprit, would this compromise a possible prosecution.

Council officials said it wouldn’t, provided they were prepared to make a statement and give evidence about what they had found in court. 

They said it would be better if they contacted council litter wardens before they open the bags so the warden can be present and take away any pertinent evidence.

Meanwhile, Ms Buckley asked that solar-powered litter bins be installed in her municipal district of Carrigaline.

Council officials said they would look at this and, when feasible, install one solar bin per year in high-footfall areas.

However, they said extra bins will not be added. Instead, where an existing bin is in place, it will be replaced by the new solar bin.

Ms Buckley questioned why they would agree to putting in just one solar bin a year when it is patently obvious that they are more efficient.

The bins are self-compacting, so they have a bigger capacity for waste, and when they are full and need emptying, they send an automated message to council staff.

They are designed to be more durable that normal bins and birds can’t get into them looking for food and strew rubbish around, she added.

They cost in the region of €3,500 each.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White urged that more of them be installed in the Carrigaline municipal area.

He said they should be prioritised for beaches and greenways in the region.