Longford court hands down hefty fines as battle against scourge of illegal dumping continues
County Council issued over 150 litter fines in 2023 and almost €10,500 in fines and costs imposed during January 2024
Almost €10,500 in fines and costs were imposed on littering and dumping offenders in connection with five incidents that were prosecuted and appeared before Longford District Court during January 2024.
Longford County Council has also revealed that it issued over 150 litter fines in 2023 as the battle to tackle the scourge of illegal dumping across the county continues.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray said, “Illegal dumping is not just unsightly it is a serious hazard to our environment and our health.
Cllr Murrray added, "Highlighting these figures shows that Longford County Council is proactive in enforcing its powers when it comes to illegal dumping and littering in the county. It also demonstrates that all levels of littering, large and small are being tackled.”
The Environment Section of the local authority issued over 150 litter fines following offences that took place in 2023.
Failure to pay litter fines resulted in 26 prosecutions being initiated under the Litter Pollution Act over the last 12 months.
In relation to five incidents, the following fines (€7,000) and costs (€3,424) were handed down by the sitting judge during the January sittings of Longford District Court:
- €2,500 plus €681 costs imposed for substantial waste that was dumped in the river at Kilnasavogue
- €1,000 plus €673 costs for empty beer bottles dumped at Gallid, Granard
- €1,000 plus €780 costs for bags of waste dumped at Little Water Street in Longford
- €1,500 plus €780 costs for four bags of waste dumped at Cloonturk
- €1,000 plus €510 costs for five bags of domestic waste dumped at Market Square, Longford
Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “We are determined to continue taking action on this front. The team in Environment work hard to support and encourage people who dispose of their waste properly, but those who do not must know that there are consequences to illegal dumping activity.”
Longford Environment Department is reminding people to support the battle against illegal dumping by taking action themselves if they see someone littering or if they come across dumped waste in their locality.
People can easily report issues by logging on to Longfordcoco.ie and filling in the Environmental Complaint form. The form asks for simple details such as:
- When and where the littering/dumping is happening
- What sort of rubbish and how much is present
- Any identifying details, for example, obvious litter contents or vehicle registration or description (any colour, make, model or logo)
Longford County Council will investigate all reported incidences of illegal dumping and identifiable offenders will face enforcement action, up to and including prosecution.
Anyone needing help making an environmental complaint is welcome to contact Longford County Council Environment Section for support via the Confidential Litter Hotline on 1800 434 450 or by emailing [email protected]