A good plan - Tracking waste disposal

As a society we have long struggled to accept that we are responsible for the waste, of any kind, we generate.

This has led to everything from opposition to incineration to fly-tipping, from slurry spills into waterways to motorists, thankfully a minority, using roadside verges as a dump.

In an effort to break this culture of irresponsibility and vandalism Kerry County Council is to introduce a system whereby householders must be able to prove that they are using an authorised waste collection service.

Even if this seems a tad Big Brother it is a valid response to the increase in fly-tipping on Kerry beaches and in rivers. This antisocial, environmental destruction has, according to councillors, reached “epic” proportions.

The Kingdom is not alone. Every county and virtually every townland is afflicted by this selfish behaviour. Fines of up to €2,500 are proposed for those who break these regulations, which will only work if enforced with energy and determination.

A good start, but an awful lot more to do.