Surge in prosecutions against polluters

THE number of prosecutions for breaches of environmental legislation increased dramatically last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

In a report on enforcement activity between 2006 and 2008, the EPA said more than 750 criminal prosecutions were initiated by local authorities last year, while 10,000 enforcement actions were also taken.

In total, over 130,000 inspections were carried out last year on compliance with legislation on waste, drinking water and water quality.