Clampdown on illegal dumping sought

Local authorities must introduce stronger deterrents against illegal dumpers, the Irish Farmers’ Association has said.

Speaking after a farmer who stood up to illegal dumpers was seriously assaulted, deputy president of the IFA Eddie Downey said today it was time to review the penalties imposed on the perpetrators of illegal dumping and put stronger deterrents in place.

Mr Downey said illegal dumping in the countryside had increased in recent times and farmers on whose land rubbish has been dumped had been facing fines from local authorities.

He said Kilkenny County Council had imposed fines of €130,000 on a number of IFA members for rubbish left by others.

“Local authorities must introduce stronger deterrents against people who dump litter in the countryside,” he said.

While the IFA would continue to play its part, farmers could not be held liable for other people’s dumping and it was the responsibility of local authorities to keep the countryside free of litter, Mr Downey said.

He called on the Minister for Environment Phil Hogan to review the legislation and direct local authorities to concentrate their efforts on cleaning up the countryside.

He also urged farmers not to engage with illegal dumpers on their land.

“The type of person who engages in this despicable behaviour has no regard for persons or property,” he said.

The farmer who was seriously assaulted after engaging with dumpers had endured persistent and indiscriminate dumping on his land.

“When he attempted to warn off the dumpers, he was assaulted and suffered head injuries,” Mr Downey said.