CONSTRUCTION waste and cross-border ‘man in the van’ operations are major contributors to illegal dumping in Donegal.
Figures provided to the Donegal News reveal 608 illegal dumping complaints were received by Donegal County Council’s environment section in 2024.
Waste Regulations Officer, Matthew Byrne said last year’s figures showed a slight ebb on previous years and while great strides are being taken to tackle illegal dumping, there is a notable rise in illegal cross-border activity.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Byrne said people have been liable for fines after booking a ‘man in a van’ in good faith to remove their household items.
“We have done so many campaigns to make people aware that if they are getting someone to remove their rubbish to ask them for their waste collection permit. That will be a guarantee that they are registered and accountable for the rubbish they are removing.
“In the past, we have issued a litter fine to the person the illegally dumped waste originated from. That person then appealed the fine and they were able to provide us with the ‘man in the van’s’ contact details. We then made contact with that person to make them aware that they need a waste collection permit or otherwise to desist.
“We work with Derry City and Strabane District Council on this, and vice versa.”
Mr Byrne said construction waste is on the increase. He said a developer granted planning permission will submit a construction waste demolition plan outlining measures they will take to remove all construction waste. However, the job may then go to a contractor who may not have seen the plan.
“This breakdown happens in some cases and the upshot is construction waste is dumped. We’re tightening up on this.”
Mr Byrne said there is a big expense to Donegal County Council when things are not disposed of correctly.
“In the past, people have tipped old radiators from a trailer into a drain. We then have to get a contractor and diggers there for removal. There’s no need for doing things like that, especially when a lot of items are free to recycle at recycle centres.”
Asked if he believed illegal dumping arises from a lack of public awareness, Mr Byrne said: “Some people are still trying to take a short cut but it is also a lack of awareness too because we find there is no logical reason to dump some things that have been dumped, like a washing machine which is free to bring to a recycling centre. In some cases, it is still a lack of respect for biodiversity. Some people who dump on bogland regard it as wasteland, but it is really valuable land in terms of biodiversity and eco systems.”
Mr Byrne said the council have a dedicated team on the ground to deal with each complaint, from litter wardens, enforcement officers, agri inspectors and those who look after water and air quality complaints. He said court judges have also been supportive with cases the council has taken against illegal dumping perpetrators. He praised local Tidy Towns volunteers, who work tirelessly to improve how the county looks. Ultimately, he said, eradicating illegal dumping requires a whole-societal approach.
“Every council has their own positives and challenges. There is a real can-do attitude here. People want to do the right thing, and they want to row in behind you.”
