Waterford City and County Council has secured a prosecution against an unauthorized waste collector for the 2019 illegal collection and subsequent dumping of waste from a cliff near Annestown, Co Waterford.
The dumping was first reported in July 2019 and occurred as part of the UNESCO Copper Coast Geopark in an area with a Special Protection designation for birds.
The clean-up operation was carried out by a specialist 'working at heights' team and safely removed 3.2 tonnes of waste from the clifftop.
In sentencing Judge Staunton described illegal dumping as a 'scourge' and highlighted the efforts locals undertake to promote tourism, mentioning that dumping like this in a beauty spot undermines that public effort.
The waste collector was sentenced to 6 months in jail, in addition to a €200 fine and €6,100 in costs.
Waterford City and County Council’s Senior Executive Engineer, Niall Kane said this case highlights the importance of public checking to make sure a collector has a waste collection permit.
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Clean-Up Operation at Annestown, County Waterford.