Illegal dumping and uncut grass blights Tullamore's Marian Place

UNCUT grass and illegal dumping are two problems which are causing major headaches for the residents of Tullamore's Marian Place.

John Ruane, who has lived in the area since 1954, says the current condition of the housing estate is the worst he has seen in years.

Marian Place is an estate consisting of 104 houses, with approximately 95 per cent of the homes owner-occupied.

"We all pay property tax", and John questions what services they are getting in return.

The grass in the estate is overgrown and infested with weeds. John has stated that he hasn’t seen the grass in such a state since the 1960s.

READ NEXT: Tullamore Show selects local school as its charity partner for 2025 event

He noted that most of the residents tend to their own lawn, and the council does not have to cut the whole street; therefore, there is “no excuse” for how the grass in the area has been neglected.

According to John, overgrown grass and a multitude of weeds are only part of a larger issue. A shopping trolley was left abandoned outside his home for more than two weeks.

He also highlighted how the back lane between O’Molloy Street and Marian Place has become an unofficial dumping ground.

Along the back lanes old soiled mattresses, bags of ashes, shoes, and much more rubbish can be observed. Perhaps worst of all, there is a shopping trolley filled with waste that has been there for over two years.

It is unknown who has been leaving this rubbish around the area; however, it is clear that action needs to be taken, stressed John, who is the vice-chairman of the local residents association.

John is calling for the regular upkeep of the estate and especially wants to see that grass being cut weekly by the council.

John’s voice echoes a growing frustration felt by residents of Marian Place who struggle with the neglect of the community.

John said he his fellow residents are simply asking for the basics to be looked after.

Local councillor Declan Harvey has raised the issues affecting Marian Place with the local council and is confident works will be carried out.

He hit out at those dumping indiscriminately on the back lane.

"It takes major effort to bring mattresses and dump them in a residential area. These people need to be named and shamed," thundered Cllr Harvey.

READ NEXT: Brendan honoured for over 50 years service to scouting in Tullamore