Enforcement Policy on Illegal Waste Activity.

At the February Monthly Meeting of Longford County Council a prolonged discussion took place in relation to the Council’s Enforcement Policy on Illegal Waste Activity. A document that sets out the Council’s policy has recently been compiled and can be viewed here: Enforcement Policy on Illegal Waste Activity

In the course of the discussion a variety of Members expressed concern at the apparent increase in the number of indiscriminate dumping incidents that are being detected in the county. Council officials were urged to take all possible enforcement action against offenders.

Mr. Jack Kilgallen, Director of Services, assured the Members that the Council would vigorously pursue those who are greatly harming the reputation and scenic amenity of the county by their unlawful behaviour. It was agreed that particular attention would be focussed on a number of identified litter black spots in the near future.

It was pointed out by Mr. Kilgallen that a multi-stranded approach is taken by the Council with regard to controlling the level of littering that occurs. In addition to employing Litter wardens the Council employs an Environmental Awareness Officer who visits schools and businesses in the county with the intention of raising awareness of the damage that littering causes.

While the taking of court action is not desirable the Council will continue to bring persistent offenders before the courts. The levels of fines that are imposed in court are a matter for the presiding judge. The Council is to seek the imposition of the highest possible fines in an effort to deter people from dumping their waste.

The Council operates a “Litter Complaints Hotline”. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping or who becomes aware of waste that has been dumped is asked to report the matter to the Council by dialling the hotline number which is 1850 434 450.

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