Truck-load of rubbish found near east Cork beauty spot

CORK County Council is investigating allegations of illegal dumping after the discovery of a truck-load of rubbish close to a beauty spot.

Council officials were dispatched to Ballybrannigan beach in east Cork yesterday after complaints about the rubbish. The dumping has been described as a “despicable” act.

Household items and electrical goods, including furniture, a washing machine, cushions, computer parts, and smaller domestic waste were dumped on the beach and near the cliffs.

The beach has been quiet of late, with few visitors. However yesterday’s improved weather brought numerous walkers to the area and many were shocked to see the beach and car park in such a state.

Ballybrannigan is between Ballycotton and Whitegate and, according to local Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty, popular with people in the east Cork area and also with visitors from the city.

“It’s a terrible pity to see this sort of dumping going on,” Cllr Hegarty said last night.

“There are facilities in the various civic amenity sites where these items can be brought, free of charge. I don’t know where people’s civic pride has gone to, but this is despicable to say the least. This is a beautiful area.”

He called on anyone who may have observed the dumping or who may know who was responsible to come forward and inform the county council or the gardaí.

A council spokesperson said the rubbish would be cleared today.