No time to waste as we’re asked to clean up our act

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

THE clean-up bill associated with illegal dumping costed the Irish taxpayer almost €100 million in 2021. That figure does not include the associated damage to habitats, environment, health and even the tourist sector. This week An Garda Síochána are joining with Galway City and County Councils to launch a multi-agency operation to tackle the growing problem.

According to the Irish Government, effective enforcement of waste legislation is vital for the credibility of our systems of waste management. The key objectives for waste enforcement in Ireland are to ensure that an effective system is in place to protect our environment and the health of our citizens.

The Waste Management Act imposes a general duty of care on holders of waste, under which a person may not hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental pollution. Penalties for serious dumping offences provided for under the Waste Management Acts are substantial.

Persons who are found to be responsible for, or involved in, the unauthorised disposal of waste are liable to a fine of up to €5,000 on summary conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and/or imprisonment for up to ten years.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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