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Welcome
A high quality environment is essential for a good quality of life. In order to achieve this aim the Environment department undertakes a vast range of functions and roles from assessing pollution potential and water quality, to driving waste management, enforcement of litter pollution legislation and the creation of greater environmental awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Carlow County Council remove abandoned vehicles ?
Any abandoned vehicles reported to the Council will be removed and the registered owner will face a fine of €150 - €3,000 depending on circumstances. Thus it is recommended to recycle a vehicle rather than abandon it.
- Does the Council provide an environmental education service ?
Yes. The Council employs an Environmental Awareness Officer. Talks can be arranged with schools and community groups to discuss a wide range of environmental issues. Contact Fionnghuala Ryan on (059) 9136240 or email: fryan@carlowcoco.ie.
- Does the Council support the national Green Schools programme ?
Yes. This programme, which is administered by An Taisce nationally, aims to promote environmental awareness in the school and the wider community. The council's Environmental Awareness Officer works with the schools to achieve these goals and is available for presentations.
- Does the Council conduct farm surveys to monitor and eliminate pollution ?
Yes. Technical staff are engaged in ongoing site inspections which are part of the Eastern and the South Eastern River Basin District catchment-based monitoring programmes. The aim of these projects is to develop measures to monitor and achieve good water standards in the relevant areas. Farmers may receive requests for farm waste management plans if required.
- Why is the disposal of grease a problem ?
The main reason why grease causes problems is because it doesn’t break down easily and solidifies with lower temperatures. The main problems associated with grease entering the sewerage system are accumulation on pipes and equipment, blockages and increases in the time and money required to treat the waste at the wastewater treatment plant. Guidance notes on the correct management of grease is provided below.
- What does the Council do about illegal dumping ?
The Council is very active in removing illegal dumping but we rely on the public's cooperation in order to achieve this. The Council will investigate all reported incidents of dumping and will organise the removal of illegally dumped materials. You can contact the freephone litter hotline at 1800 308 208.
- Does the Council issue litter fines ?
Yes. The Council is responsible for implementing the Litter Pollution Acts. The on-the-spot fine is €150. If a vehicle is used when a litter offence is committed the registered owner is deemed liable for the fine. It is Council policy to refer all unpaid fines for legal action. The Council can take a direct prosecution to court in this case or if the littering is more serious. The maximum fine that can be imposed by the court is €3000. Persons reporting littering incidents should be willing to appear as witnesses for the Council in the event that the case goes to court as the Council will not take a prosecution if there is no witness. You can report littering offences to our freephone litter hotline 1800 308 208.
- Does the Council support National Spring Clean ?
The Community & Enterprise Department supports this national initiative through the provision of mini-skips. The Council will also undertake subsequent waste removal for organised clean up events, contact C&E on (059) 9136203/9136210. Groups should register first with An Taisce at www.antaisce.org, tel.: 01 4002220. You will receive a special pack to assist in the cleanup. It is held during the month of April.
- Does the Council support National Tree Week ?
Yes. This scheme aims to promote tree-planting in Ireland. It takes place each March. The Community & Enterprise Department runs a number of activities to promote awareness of the beauty and value of trees. These will be publicised nearer the event. For more information on this scheme, see www.treecouncil.ie or Community & Enterprise on (059) 9136210/9136203.
Document Downloads
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Guidance notes on the management of grease [ pdf 64kb ]