Illegal dumping: Free-range crime

DUMPING rubbish in the countryside in a sort of free-range vandalism is one of the most common and unacceptable offences against individuals, communities, and the environment.

It shows an indifference bordering on contempt to the idea of civic morality and decency that must be confronted in the most forceful way.

Cork County Council workers are dealing with an illegal roadside dump that can hardly be anything other than the result of cowboy rubbish collectors short-changing their customers by using the roadside to dump refuse rather than using official sites.

The council has estimated that it will take 10 pick-up trucks to remove the fly-tipped rubbish and pointed out that it is illegal to give waste to someone to dispose of unless that person has a valid waste collection permit and uses a licensed waste facility.

Should the culprits be identified they will face fines that are little more than harmless raids on their pocket money.

Is it any wonder they feel free to behave so badly?