Irish man arrested in Spain in relation to waste charges

An Irish man has been arrested in Malaga, Spain under a European arrest warrant instigated by authorities in Ireland.

The formerly Dublin-based, businessman is wanted to answer charges relating to illegal dumping, it is understood.

The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)have been working closely on the case for some time, according to sources.

The EPA confirmed that the organisation was notified of the arrest, but a spokeswoman said no further comment would be made.

An application to extradite to man is expected to be made before the Spanish courts in the coming days.

It is understood the man is not the only figure formerly involved in the waste management business, to whom the gardaí would now like to speak.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is investigating whether consular assistance is being provided to the man.