Low average fines for waste law infringements not acting as a deterrent – Troy

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has demanded better enforcement of Ireland’s waste laws, at both national and local level following the Primetime investigation into the illegal disposal of waste in Ireland by licensed waste operators. 

“Monday’s Primetime programme contained stomach-turning footage of how certain waste operators dispose of their waste in an irresponsible and illegal manner,” said Deputy Troy.

“They accept payments from customers, who believe that they are paying a company to collect and properly dispose of their waste, when in actual fact they are simply discarding it in putrid heaps, where it leaches into our soil and rivers.

“Currently, the maximum penalty under the Waste Management Acts for this type of offence is €15 million or 10 years in prison. 

“However since 2016, the average fine handed down in successful prosecutions under this act has been under €5,000. 

“More often than not, this sum goes nowhere near close to covering the cost of remediation works. 

“The taxpayer is then left to foot the rest of the bill. 

“A higher value must be placed on Ireland’s land and water. With an average fine of just €5,000, those breaking the law are getting away scot-free, in my opinion.

“Consideration needs to be given to changing the legislation to ensure that for people or companies who engage in consistent and persistent illegal dumping and polluting, a minimum fine applies that recognises the seriousness and harm of the activities.”

The RTÉ programme also highlighted Westmeath County Council in an unfavourable light in terms regulating and enforcing waste service laws and Deputy Troy feels that this analysis may have been unfair. 

““The programme concentrated on the level of investment per head of population, which is not necessarily the most accurate guide to the performance of a county.

“Westmeath’s performance has previously been classified as excellent by the EPA. 

“At the same time, the number of convictions recorded does make for disappointing reading as we all witness instances of illegal dumping regularly throughout the county.

“The government must step up their enforcement regime and ensure that when people and companies break waste laws, proper action is taken. 

"We need local authorities to be properly resourced so that they can investigate these infractions fully and quickly,” concluded Deputy Troy.