Clare County Council is hopeful that evidence gathered at the site of a major illegal dumping incident, will lead to a successful prosecution.
A series of similar incidents have been reported in the East and South East of the county lately, the most recent of which at the 12 o’clock Hills, where truck loads of rubbish was set on fire.
Fears have been expressed that lives are being put in danger.
Investigations involving the local authority and Gardaí are underway, after nine incidents of illegal dumping were reported in the East and South East of Clare in the past two weeks.
The most high-profile of these incidents happened at the 12 o’clock Hills, near Kilkishen, an area popular with walkers and tourists.
Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan believes a large vehicle would have been needed to transport the rubbish, given the amount that was dumped there.
Patsy Neville, who’s been involved in a project to revitalise 12 o’clock Hills since 2013, has expressed anger over the activity.
The dump site is less than 200 metres away from popular walking trails.
He’s expressed concerns over the impact on people’s health but also over the potential for wildfires as a result of the burning.
The local authority’s Environmental Wardens have collected evidence from the site identifying certain individuals and businesses and are hopeful that this will help lead to a successful prosecution.
Clare County Council’s Waste Enforcement Officer says the incident has all the hallmarks of an illegal waste collector and Patrick Mullane is urging people to report any suspicious activity they witness in their area.
Details of authorised collectors can be found at nwcpo.ie or by contacting the Environment Section, Clare County Council.
