Scenic Kilkenny beauty spot is being hit by an 'epidemic of dumping'

Residents have expressed concerns that a popular local beauty spot is being regularly targeted for illegal dumping.

Corbally Wood, located near Templeorum in South Kilkenny, has been the focus of mounting frustration in recent weeks after a series of alleged dumping incidents were reported.

Recent pictures taken in the area show evidence of a discarded oil tank, outdoor waste, garden debris and even children’s toys.

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One resident told Kilkenny Live that the problem has escalated into ‘an epidemic of fly-tipping’.

Concerns have also been raised about unlocked entrances to the wood, with locks reportedly left resting on gates rather than securing them.

In a statement issued to Kilkenny Live, Coillte said it ‘takes the issue of dumping extremely seriously’ and works closely with both An Garda Síochána and local authorities to respond to incidents across its estate.

“Coillte was made aware of illegal dumping in its forest in Corbally Wood, County Kilkenny last week and has made arrangements to have the litter removed this week and to carry out repairs to the locking mechanism of the forest barrier which had recently been damaged,” the organisation said.

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Coillte noted that it manages more than 7% of the total land area of Ireland, and that many forests in remote rural locations have experienced increased dumping in recent years.

The organisation said it installs ‘signs, barriers and CCTV at known illegal dumping hotspots’ and highlighted the environmental and health risks associated with the practice.

According to Coillte, more than €2 million has been spent in recent years on clean-up operations and safe disposal of illegally dumped material across its forest network.

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The organisation is urging the public to report any incidents they witness to the local authority immediately or to contact them via their confidential forest security hotline on 1890 800 455.

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