Wrenn believes the issue stems from the privatisation of the city’s rubbish collections last year. It has led to an “illegal dumping mentality”, he claimed.

He has asked the City Manager to set up a task force, including members of An Garda Síochána, litter wardens, council legal staff and local area office employees.

“This task force could support our public domain officers who do a great job but need more support to tackle illegal dumping,” he said.

“I have serious concerns about the spread of diseases and a rat infestation.

Unless this problem is tackled immediately, it has the potential to be very embarrassing for our city to be seen in such a dirty state,  especially when we are depending on the Gathering to promote our country and when we are hosting the presidency of the European Union.

The councillor also raised the issue of the placement of illegal signs, which display offers to buy cars from people, that have become common sights at junctions across the city.

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