Courtmac kicks up a stink over three lost bins

RESIDENTS in Courtmacsherry are kicking up a stink over the removal by the Council of three bins from the seaside village.

Courtmacsherry-based Cllr Paul Hayes (SF) told The Southern Star that while officials had removed three bins, three more remain.

‘They had intended to replace the three old bins with new  bins but are hesitant to do so as the bins in these locations have a history of being abused by people disposing of domestic waste,’ said Cllr Hayes.

‘I have told Council officials that due to the fact that Courtmacsherry is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, and has a lot of walkers and cyclists passing through at weekends, these waste facilities are vital.’

Cllr Hayes said that he has already received numerous calls from representatives of the local Tidy Towns Committee, the Community Shop, Courtmacsherry Development Association and residents alike about the removal of the three bins.

‘It’s unfair to punish residents and visitors for the ‘sins’ of a few who are abusing the bins by getting rid of their household waste,’ he said.

Cllr Hayes said he was aware of a number of locations in Clonakilty which have the same problem, but that it would never be a consideration to remove these bins as there would be uproar.

‘The people of Courtmacsherry deserve the same quality of services as they pay their taxes, including the Property Tax, so they should expect collection facilities to be provided by the local authority,’ added Cllr Hayes.

The removal of the bins was also raised at a meeting of the Western Committee earlier this week with some councillors stating that they, too, had received complaints about the removal of the bins.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said that a number of bins had exceeded their serviceable life and needed replacement.

‘However, in reviewing the replacement of the bins it became apparent that bins were also being used for domestic waste, which is an abuse of the facility provided. While there will always be a certain element of domestic waste, the waste being generated by the bins in Courtmacsherry was not consistent with the location in comparison to other locations.’

‘A decision has been made to review the location of the bins before replacing them and this is an opportunity to highlight the misuse of the bins. It is proposed to upgrade some of the bins subject to the review and signage will be place on the bins highlighting if there is an abuse there will be no further option but their removal,’ the Council said.