Kilkenny County Council
Anti-Dumping and Anti-Litter Campaign
01/04/2026
The Environment Department of Kilkenny County Council has today launched a new public awareness campaign aimed at tackling illegal dumping, fly-tipping and littering across the city and county.
The campaign, which will run over the coming months, features a series of short online videos highlighting well-known locations throughout Kilkenny that have been adversely affected by illegal dumping, fly-tipping and persistent littering. These videos are designed to bring the issue closer to home by showing the real and visible impact of waste-related offences on local communities, amenities and the natural environment.
Illegal dumping and littering continue to pose a significant challenge across both urban and rural areas of Kilkenny. These activities not only damage the environment and local biodiversity but also place an unnecessary financial burden on the Council and, ultimately, the taxpayer.
The Environment Department wishes to remind the public that there are serious legal consequences for those found engaging in illegal dumping or littering. Under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended) and the Litter Pollution Act 1997, offenders may face:
- On-the-spot fines for littering offences
- Significant financial penalties upon conviction
- Prosecution through the courts
- Seizure of vehicles used in illegal dumping activities
The Council is actively monitoring known blackspots and will continue to use surveillance, inspections and enforcement measures to identify and prosecute offenders.
While enforcement remains a key part of addressing the issue, the Council is emphasising the importance of personal responsibility. Every household and business has a legal duty to manage and dispose of their waste correctly through authorised waste collectors or approved facilities.
The Environment Department is keen to highlight that Kilkenny County Council does not provide waste collection services but instead works to regulate the sector and ensure that members of the public are informed of the appropriate and available disposal options.
Members of the public are encouraged to:
- Use authorised waste collection services
- Dispose of waste at licensed facilities
- Avoid engaging with unlicensed waste collectors
- Report incidents of illegal dumping or littering to the Council
Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, Mags Whelan said: "This campaign is about raising awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour. The locations featured in our videos are places that people across Kilkenny know and value. Illegal dumping and littering are entirely preventable, and we are asking everyone to play their part in protecting our environment."
The campaign videos are available below and can be shared on social media.
Don't forget..... "If You See It, Report It". Email: environment@kilkennycoco.ie
Anti-Dump-Castlecomer.m4v (size 10.6 MB)
Thomas-Callan.m4v (size 8.8 MB)
Kilkenny-City-and-Laneways.m4v (size 14.5 MB)
