Supermarket Trolleys Dumped into River Boyne, Drogheda

On Monday, Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery and Kevin Callan took action to address the persistent problem of shopping trolleys being dumped into the River Boyne. 

Firstly, well done to the Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery and Kevin Callan for removing 30 Trolleys from the River Boyne. You all did amazing work and the Drogheda community are so lucky to have such a fantastic organisation in our community.

If you are a Drogheda Local or visit Drogheda regularly you will be very familiar with seeing trolleys just dumped into the River Boyne. When the river level is low it is easier to see the trolleys that get trapped in the muck along the riverbank. Unfortunately it has become a common sight to see shopping trolleys dumped into the river Boyne where it is most visible along the boardwalk at the Dominic’s Park.

These abandoned shopping trolleys in the river Boyne provide a disturbing image of the disdain some people have for the environment and lack of pride for our town. 

The effects of this dumping are numerous:

• First of all, shopping trolleys restrict fish and other aquatic animals by acting as physical barriers that block the flow of water. 
• The metal from these trolleys may corrode, contaminating the water and bringing dangerous compounds to the aquatic environment
• The chemicals and rust that the abandoned trolleys release into the river can have a negative impact on the water’s quality, putting not only fish but also other species that depend on the river for food in jeopardy.
• These dumped trolleys have a negative visual impression.
• Shopping Trolley presence lessens the natural beauty of the River Boyne in Drogheda. 

It is imperative to deal with the underlying roots of this problem. Supermarkets need to be more accountable for their shopping trolleys. They may be kept out of rivers far more frequently by enacting tougher prevention procedures and making sure their trolleys are properly retrieved and maintained.

The problem of shopping trolleys being dumped in rivers all around Ireland serves as a sobering reminder that what we do has far-reaching effects. We can defeat this environmental menace and guarantee the long-term health and beauty of our rivers by banding together, from individuals to corporations to governments. Let’s protect Ireland’s natural wonders by exercising responsibility rather than carelessness.

Thanks again to the Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery and Kevin!