Pressure to bring dumps up to standard

A CALL has been made for action to bring closed dumps in Kerry up to standards required by the Environmental Protection Association (EPA).

Only four of 13 former dumps in the county have, so far, been remediated to a degree that has satisfied the environmental watchdog. The four dumps are in Coolcaslagh (Killarney), Milltown, Kenmare and Caherciveen.

Former dumps not up to standard are in Ardfert, Castleisland, Rockfield (Killarney), Listowel, Sneem, Tralee, Dingle, Lenamore and Ahascra.

Some have been closed since the 1980s. Independent councillor Brendan Cronin said the situation was giving rise to serious concern.

“Thousands of tonnes of waste have been dumped in these places and it’s beyond time for remediation work to be completed to the necessary standard,” he stated.

While such sites have been capped with topsoil, they still do not meet EPA criteria which includes site investigation and installation of gas collection areas.

Separately, the council confirmed it has paid out €484,000 to people who brought claims against it in the past year.