Illegal dumping ‘at epidemic proportions’

Sinn Féin Local Council Election candidate for the Slieve Gullion area, Oonagh Magennis has said that the issue of illegal dumping was now a widespread major problem throughout the area and that it needed to be tackled head-on by those charged with doing so.

Oonagh was speaking after visiting the scenes of more illicit dumping in the area, this time on the Ballard and Ballintemple Roads.

“These recent acts of illegal dumping once again highlight this major problem which exists.

“Many feel that we have reached the stage that such criminal environmental acts are accepted without much rancour. The issue has reached epidemic proportions,” she insisted.

The Slieve Gullion area Council candidate continued, “We cannot allow a culture of apathy towards this issue particularly amongst the agencies that are charged with legally tackling environmental crime and apprehending those involved. Illegal dumping is a blight on the environment, communities and businesses.

“Cleansing and enforcement teams from Newry Mourne and Down Council need to work proactively to address the ongoing issue of commercial waste and flytipping being dumped around our area.

“The NI Environment Agency, the government agency with responsibility to ensure commercial waste is disposed of in accordance with legislation need to show a willingness that they take their responsibility seriously in relation to this, many I have talked to are not convinced.

Oonagh added, “Fly-tipping is often viewed as a victimless crime but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Clean-up costs are a significant strain on the public purse and the illegal dumping also has a significant impact on our environment, wildlife and health.

“A determined effort to tackle waste criminals who willfully dispose of their waste illegally is essential however it needs to be balanced with ongoing initiatives to inform and motivate people to change their behaviour. To have respect and concern for their environment – for their own communities, neighbours and our economy.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Mar 14 2019. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry