At the latest Comeragh District meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Councillors Seanie Power and Liam Brazil raised serious concerns about illegal dumping across County Waterford.
Councillor Liam Brazil expressed his frustration, stating, “I believe the rubbish is out of hand and we will see that next week during the Comeragh Clear taking place on Monday and we will see all the rubbish that will be picked up again. I went for a few walks lately and there is nothing but rubbish being dumped on the side of the road.”
He further pushed the need for action, saying, “I do believe we have to try and work on the CCTV. Every month, rubbish is being raised in this meeting, and it isn’t being used as something to fill time. I am saying it because we know it’s an issue. It’s also happening in the same places. We cannot keep doing this, and it’s a pity to see our beautiful Waterford countryside being littered. The people who are doing this need to be held accountable.”
Councillor Seanie Power shared similar sentiments, noting, “Driving the roads, I noticed recently plastic carrier bags with chip boxes just dumped on the side of the road, and the next thing a car comes along and it’s smashed along the road. It’s beyond me why anybody would want to litter, and I don’t understand why they can’t just bring their rubbish home and dispose of it properly.”
Legal Framework and Penalties
Under Irish law, illegal dumping is a serious offence. The Waste Management Act imposes a general duty of care on holders of waste, prohibiting the disposal of waste in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental pollution. Penalties for serious dumping offences can be substantial. Individuals found guilty of unauthorised waste disposal may face fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and up to €15 million on conviction on indictment and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Waterford City and County Council is responsible for enforcing these regulations and can issue on-the-spot fines of €150 for littering offences. If the matter proceeds to court, fines can escalate to €4,000, with additional daily fines of €600 for continued non-compliance
In one case, a woman was fined €1,235 after being found guilty of dumping bags of waste at a bring bank in Barrack Street, Waterford. The initial €150 fine was unpaid, leading to court proceedings where additional costs were imposed.
The Comeragh Clean-Up event is also due to take place this coming Monday.
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