Éirígí Activists Highlight The Scourge Of Fly-Tipping In Lurgan
Éirígí activists in Lurgan, County Armagh have been alerted to an ongoing situation regarding the scourge of fly-tipping in the Wellington Street and Castle Lane areas of the town.
Our activists wrote to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council regarding the issue, which has been plaguing residents for weeks. Shortly after this correspondence the council cleaned up the area, which is to be welcomed. However, the issue will not be resolved in the long-term until ABC Council provide a properly funded waste collection service.
Fly-tipping, along with other acts of anti-social behaviour, have huge environmental and economic costs for working class communities.
The environmental cost varies. In rural areas it can lead to soil contamination, in turn endangering crops and livestock; in urban areas it can pose a threat to local wildlife, while also attracting vermin and increasing the risk of spreading disease. In an economic sense, the costs associated with removing illegally discarded waste are significant, which in turn takes away funds from other vital public services.
The latest spate of fly-tipping is linked to last year's ABC Council workers strike, a strike that involved over 1,000 workers - including many refuse collectors. The strike served to highlight the vital contribution these workers make to the community; as demonstrated by the huge increase in fly-tipping over the course of the work stoppage.
ABC Council workers on strike last Autumn
Éirígí firmly believes in the proper funding of robust, efficient public services. The general public deserve better public services than they are currently receiving, and public sector workers deserve fair wages and decent working conditions.
Of course, the issue of funding for public services cannot be separated from the inherent instability of the Six County state, best demonstrated by the dysfunction of the Stormont Assembly which has been in a state of suspension over the last number of years. Ultimately, these issues all stem from partition and how it has failed the Irish people, both north and south.
Éirígí is fighting for a New Republic that will place environmental protection and sustainability at the heart of every aspect of government policy and economic development - from tackling climate change to dealing with fly-tipping in our local communities.
Does this sound like the kind of Republic you want to help build? Join Éirígí today!