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People dump cans, bottles, used wrapping paper and even the leftovers of Christmas dinners, IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney has said.
He called on all local authorities to develop plans to address the annual increase in littering of the countryside.
“Recent reports indicate that packaging waste generated from online shopping will increase by 33% this year to 10,000 tonnes,” Cooney said. “The fact is that this will lead to increased dumping by passing motorists who have no regard for our rural countryside. And it’s time to get tough with these people.”
The IFA is calling for more severe sanctions on serial dumpers and changes to the legislation so that farmers are no longer held legally responsible for reckless dumping by others.
“The on-the-spot fines for littering introduced this year have not worked. We need increased enforcement action by local authorities, as well as tougher sentences and penalties for large-scale serial dumpers.
"Local Authorities must now begin planning their post-Christmas anti-littering blitz to ensure Ireland’s countryside is no longer used as a dumping ground.”
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