Some visitors to Tramore during the recent warm weather spell have been criticised for defecating in public areas, along with littering and lighting fires.

A litany of issues which arose during the high temperatures, which brought huge crowds to the seaside town, were outlined at the July Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford Council.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Eamon Quinlan raised the issue, saying he received many calls in relation to specific areas.

“There were a lot of vans and cars parked up, with people stating fires to cook food, defecating, throwing rubbish over walls,” he said.

Cllr Quinlan said locals living in the impacted areas were requesting the erection of wooden stakes to deter parking.

‘Horrendous state’

Fine Gael Councillor Lola O’Sullivan said she supported Cllr Quinlan’s comments, making reference to the “illegal camping” that took place.

She referenced locations including the town’s sensory garden and former train station where there was discarded rubbish including dirty nappies.

“The place was in a horrendous state,” she said.

Campervans

The issue of campervans had been raised earlier at the meeting by Sinn Féin Councillor Jim Griffin.

He noted the large presence of such vehicles in the town during the good weather and suggested it was now time to revisit plans to adequately accommodate such vehicles.

Referring to this, Cllr O’Sullivan said: “I am someone who has had a campervan and I am all for campervans. But, my God, there were people who stayed in Tramore during the hot weather and the state the place was left in was totally unacceptable.”

She added: “If we want proper campervan spaces, people have to act in a responsible manner.”

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