Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten is allocating €2m to tackle the issue of illegal dumping black spots in Ireland.

The initiative has been launched in conjunction with Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, and will use drone technology as well as satellite imagery and CCTV cameras to detect repeat offenders.

“The battle is well and truly on to catch and prosecute those who are committing environmental and economic treason,” Minister Naughten said.

“Our riverways, mountainsides, towns and villages are no longer to be used as dumping grounds by those who have no respect for our environment, our laws or their neighbours.”

Fly-tipping and illegal dumping remain issues of major concern in rural areas, costing up to €1.3m in clean-up projects last year, with over 2.8 thousand tonnes of waste removed.

Local authorities are invited to apply for funding and will be subject to selection criteria. The deadline for applications is Friday, 2 March.

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