Swan deaths - Another warning

Every now and then an incident — like the destruction of archaeological remains, the destruction of a listed building or trees, the pollution, intentional or otherwise, of waterways — comes to light and suggests that we still have a considerable distance to go before our environment is safe in our hands.

If the death of 33 swans in Donegal was caused by illegal waste dumping it is another shaming and unacceptable example of the kind of vandalism that has done so much to damage our environment and reputation.

We need sanctions that are so severe that only the most reckless would illegally or carelessly pollute our countryside or our waterways. As the end of milk quotas looms and the increase in farm production that might mean this is an urgent, pressing issue.