Council to conduct investigation after Croagh Patrick dumping revelations
A SECTION of Croagh Patrick has been used as a dumping ground for significant levels of litter for some time, it has been revealed.
A video posed on Facebook by a concerned citizen, Larry O'Rourke, highlighted the scandal and caused outrage among those who viewed it.
It revealed an extensive amount of rubbish being buried under large stones close to the summit.
It is understood the dumping of plastic bottles, cans and other items has been going for some time.
Mr. O'Rourke, who resides in Westport, said he has brought the matter to the attention of local councillors and other community representatives.
“I was shocked by what I discovered. Among the rubbish I found a crisp packet with 15p on it. That told me how long some of it has been there. I have started a clean-up. But it could take a long time.”
Martin Keating, director of environment services at Mayo County Council, said the matter will be investigated by Mayo County Council's enforcement team.
"The video will be studied to establish whether it is waste or litter. If we are satisfied that dumping of waste has taken place in this case, then we will seek to establish who is responsible with a view to a prosecution."
Speaking as chairman of the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group, Mr. Keating said a Leave No Trace policy has been in place for some time and efforts are being taken to appoint volunteers to ensure this policy is enforced.
Members of Murrisk Development Association have viewed the video and were very saddened by the images.
“It is disgraceful that this seems to has occurred over an extended period of time.”
Fr. Charlie McDonnell, Adm., Westport, told The Connaught Telegraph that steps are being taken to clean up the area in question, which had not become visible until recent weeks.
"I was very upset when I learned about this dumping, but the important thing now is to get it cleaned up as soon as possible," he said.
A helicopter is scheduled to arrive on the Reek in the coming weeks to carry away rubbish.
He said he has had discussions with Leave No Trace, an organisation dedicated to getting more people enjoying the outdoors responsibly, in regard to an environment policy to protect the Holy Mountain. He also praised Mayo County Council for the work it was doing on a daily basis.
Councillor Christy Hyland welcomed the announcement that on the environmental section of Mayo County Council is to carry out an investigation into the matter.
“It's disgraceful what has happened and I condemn it out of hand. Credit is due to Larry O'Rourke for highlighting the matter.”
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said a debate needed to happen on people's attitude to Croagh Patrick and the urgent need for everybody to but into the Leave to Trace policy.
* Larry O'Rourke's video is posted on The Connaught Telegraph's Facebook page.