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Locals are calling for the return of the public bins at the Limekiln Avenue bus terminal after they were removed due to bus drivers urinating on them.

There have been frequent issues with the bins over the years due to vandalism and late collection.

It has been claimed that one of the reasons the bins weren't emptied was because bus drivers were relieving themselves on them.

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Local councillor Dermot Looney said he has been dealing with issues with the bins for over eight years.

He said: "This year has seen the bins go weeks uncollected. In 2018 alone, I estimate I have been in contact with SDCC on 10-15 separate occasions re these bins by phone, online and in person."

Cllr Looney added that he recently met the operative responsible for collecting the bins.

"He informed me that he was seeking that the bins be removed given that bus drivers use them to relieve themselves. This creates hygiene major problems, as you can imagine."

Cllr Looney raised the issue with the council before the summer and was informed that the council was considering removing the bins.

"I responded that they should not, and instead should speak to Dublin Bus regarding these issues involving drivers," he said.

"I was told that SDCC would indeed do so."

Instead, the bins were removed on Friday for "operational reasons".

"SDCC are contributing to local litter problems by not collecting these bins," said Cllr Looney.

"It is not acceptable for them to remove the bins without the input of local residents and local representatives. I am not convinced that they spoke to Dublin Bus either."

A petition has been launched calling for the return of the bins.

South Dublin County Council confirmed to Dublin Live that the bin had been removed for public health and hygiene reasons and that the matter is under investigation by the council.

A spokesperson for Dublin Bus told Dublin Live that they were investigating the issue.

The spokesperson added: "Drivers are advised to use the toilet facilities of local amenities as it is not possible to provide our own toilet facilities at termini across the city due to our extensive route network."