Protecting the environment: Too late again

It is to be welcomed that a taskforce has been set up to try to avert a looming environmental disaster in the Midlands.

However, it would be far, far better if we had not reached a point where 4m gallons of slurry may escape from a disused piggery in Longford with disastrous consequences for local waterways. Once again it seems that the relevant authorities intervene only after the horse has bolted.

The official response to this disaster, one that would hardly be tolerated in any civilised country, will hardly deter the next person inclined to behave in such a reckless, environmentally destructive way.