Written answers

Friday, 7 September 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Illegal Dumping

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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996. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the deterrents in place to prevent illegal dumping in Coillte forests and lakes in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36586/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of its forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.

Bye–laws were introduced under Section 37 of the Forestry Act 1988, at the request of Coillte, to regulate illegal or unauthorised activities by members of the public on its property. Illegal dumping is one of the unauthorised activities encompassed by those Bye-Laws.

The matter was raised with Coillte who advise that, due to the extent and location of the Coillte estate, illegal dumping is a significant issue for the company. The company advise that it has six Business Area Units across the country, each with a specific function in relation to the management of broad estate issues like dumping.

I understand that the company’s Midlands Business Area Unit, which covers almost ten counties including Cavan and Monaghan, will spend approximately €20,000 on waste disposal associated with illegal dumping this year. Coillte advise that this is double the expected amount indicating a higher level of dumping activity in general.

Coillte advise that it is committed to ensuring that visitors can enjoy visiting its forest parks and trails without the sight of illegally dumped rubbish. The company adds that, to deter illegal dumping, it installs signs, barriers and CCTV at illegal dumping hotspots. I am advised that Coillte is currently trialling a ‘Confidential Line’ which will be displayed on the company website and signage, with information gathered to be filtered back to staff either through e-mail or by phone on more urgent items. Coillte advise that it actively investigates all reports of dumping and, where evidence is found of those responsible, it is passed on to local authority Litter Wardens who are responsible for issuing fines and pursuing prosecutions. The company add that it has good working relations with all Local Authorities to manage and remove dumped material.

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