Campaign to end dumping in countryside

A CRACKDOWN on people dumping household rubbish in country fields is the goal of a new Irish Farmers Association campaign.

Launching the 2011 The Countryside is Watching campaign yesterday, IFA deputy president Eddie Downey called on local authorities to focus on catching dumpers rather than threatening farmers with fines for rubbish dumped on their lands.

Mr Downey said: “Farmers are reporting increasing levels of large-scale dumping in fields, woodland areas and ditches along the roadside. Local authorities will have to crack down on persistent offenders who choose to use the countryside to dump their household rubbish instead of paying bin charges.

“Threatening landowners with fines of up to €130,000 is unacceptable.”

Mr Downey was referring to a letter sent by Kilkenny County Council to local farmers warning them of court actions unless they cleaned up rubbish dumped on their lands by passers-by.

The council subsequently informed farmers of its intention to work with them in tackling the issue.

The IFA’s campaign proposes greater enforcement of litter laws, a dedicated litter reporting phoneline and website, a national litter action task force, a national spring clean week where councils would collect and clear rubbish along roadside verges once notified, an education campaign and a network of strategically-located skips and civic amenity sites.

Mr Downey said: “Farmers and landowners will not tolerate the continued abuse of their property. Environment Minister Phil Hogan must direct local authorities to step up their efforts to tackle people who litter, and review the existing anti-litter legislation.”

The IFA is partnering with farm plastic recycling group IFFPG in promoting the anti-litter campaign.

IFFPG chairman Michael Slattery said: “IFFPG is delighted to be part of this campaign.

“This campaign will only work, however, if each stakeholder carries out their responsibilities.

“The campaign reminds people to act responsibly and enjoy the countryside.”