Environment Minister told of rural anger over scourge of fly-tipping

FARMERS and other people living in the countryside have told Environment Minister John Gormley yesterday that they have had enough of fly-tipping.

Irish Farmers Association deputy president Eddie Downey said the practice is becoming a serious blight.

Roadside verges, particularly on the outskirts of towns and villages and along main roads are an absolute disgrace, strewn with refuse sacks, general household rubbish, food packaging and empty drink bottles, he said.

Mr Downey, who is also the IFA countryside team project spokesperson, said the Department of the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, and county councils have failed to deal with this problem.

The most recent EPA national waste report shows almost 37% of household and commercial waste is not recycled and much of this ends up in rural ditches.

“This problem must be immediately addressed, as it is out of control and is going to have a significant impact on the attractiveness of our countryside.

“In addition, this litter blocks roadside drains and adds to the flooding problems experienced by rural dwellers each year,” he said.

Mr Downey called on Mr Gormley and county councils to implement a series of measures, including a national rural spring clean week, the provision of civic amenity sites on the outskirts of towns and villages and a communication and education campaign.

Enforcement of anti-littering laws, the development of a dedicated litter reporting line and website and a national litter taskforce are also requested.

Mr Downey warned persistent offenders that the IFA is launching an anti-litter initiative among its 90,000 members called: The Countryside is Watching.

“This campaign will urge farm families and all people living in the countryside to be active rural stewards and report all incidence of rural littering, as they occur.

“However, this campaign will only be successful if Mr Gormley, his officials in the Department of the Environment and council staff accept their responsibility and seriously tackle this issue,” he said.

IFA Countryside, the rural affairs section of the IFA, is a lobby group for individuals and groups with a connection to the countryside.