Bringing Illegal Dumpers Straight To Court The Only Effective Deterrent

Photo credit: Offaly County Council

So says one midlands councillor, as efforts to combat the issue continue.

Bringing illegal dumpers straight to court is the only effective deterrent, according to an Offaly councillor.

19 tonnes of rubbish have been gathered during 169 collections Tidy Towns groups and Offaly County Council in county so far this year.

That's the equivalent of a full load carried by an eight-wheeler truck.

Most of the waste includes heavy goods, like household appliances and beds.

Independent councillor John Leahy says the true extent of dumping is likely much bigger, as it's impossible to calculate it all.

The government's Circular Economy Bill would allow for the use of CCTV for waste enforcement purposes, but has yet to be passed in the Dáil.

Councillor Leahy thinks the current €75 fine does very little to deter people from dumping and is calling for a 'name and shame' approach to be adopted.

He says the Council has very little power to enforce until legislation is changed:

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