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HomeFarming News‘€50,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent picking up after these animals’
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘€50,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent picking up after these animals’

A Tipperary-based county councillor has shed light on illegal dumping, following the discovery of rubbish bags.

Councillor Shane Lee took to social media in recent days to raise the matter.

Illegal dumping 

“Despite my best efforts this keeps happening. In the name of God who in the right frame of mind would carry out such a disgraceful act?”

“We are absolutely blessed to have the Civic Amenity Site on our doorstep and to think in this day and age, this keeps happening is absolutely shocking when a lot of it is recyclable at €1 a bag.”

“€50,000 of taxpayers’ money last year [was] spent picking up after these animals and that’s a kind word. The challenges that Tipperary Co. Council Environment Section face when illegal dumping keeps happening in our countryside is huge.”

Illegal dumping, farming news
Image credit: Shane Lee \ Facebook

“Reports coming back that officers are now coming on what looks like remains from positive Covid homes, blankets, towel, pillows and others with vomit and all sorts. This is just absolutely ridiculous to think that people could carry on in this behaviour, what is the world coming too.”

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“In my own humble opinion, the whole legislation around illegal dumping is way too soft. There is not enough enforcement on these people.”

“Yesterday at our Municipal District Meeting I supported a call from my fellow Cllr. Lowry for Tipperary Co. Council the write to the Department of Environment and the Minister O Brien to highlight our disappointment with the current legislation.  This cannot continue!” the post concluded.

Illegal dumping in Ireland

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150, or a maximum fine of €3,000 if you are convicted in the district court.

Local authority litter wardens and the Gardaí can issue on-the-spot fines. If you continue littering after conviction, you may be fined up to €600 a day.

Furthermore, if you are convicted of a litter offence, you may also have to pay the local authority’s legal costs.

Moreover, the Protection of the Environment Act 2003 introduced on-the-spot fines of up to €130,000 for causing environmental pollution, and €10,000 per day thereafter for continuing offences.

If you notice illegal dumping, you can report it to the local authority. Alternatively, you can report it to the 24-hour National Environmental Complaints Line – to find out how to make an environmental complaint, click here.

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