There is little doubt but that we have made great strides over the past 30 years or so in changing the way we dispose of rubbish. We’ve learned about the decomposition of our household garbage in landfill, the effects of plastic on wildlife and the extent and quantity of food waste. We recycle and reuse while the coloured bin phenomenon has also quasi educated us about the life cycle of our rubbish and its effects on the environment. But not everybody is on message.

That’s because the scourge of illegal dumping, particularly in rural Ireland, shamefully continues. It has been reported that annually there are over 50,000 public complaints to local authorities relating to everything from littering to the disposal of dangerous industrial waste. None of us have to travel far to find the evidence.

When we highlighted the issue once again on Countrywide recently, we were inundated with reports and photos from across the country of black bags and heavy household items casually fired across ditches and strewn along country roads. What sort of imbecile engages in this disgusting practice? Apart from the environmental impact, it also has the potential to directly affect two of our most important sectors, farming and tourism.

Whatever about the illegal disposal of dangerous industrial chemicals and waste, what exactly goes through the mind of a man or woman who calculatedly ties up black bags, places them into the boot of a car, drives out to the countryside and pegs them onto someone else’s farm land or into a ditch along a public road? You really would have to question why they believe such disgusting behaviour is acceptable in this day and age.

I know that if I’m caught speeding, I’ll receive a fine and penalty points. I know that if I’m caught using my mobile phone while driving, I’ll be in trouble with the law. But I am struggling without researching it, to know what the penalties are for dumping illegally.

If I’m caught drink driving, I’ll see my name published in the local newspaper. But I cannot recall the last time I read about a fly-tipper being up in front of a judge, let alone anybody being publicly named and shamed despite over 60t of illegal waste being dumped in Ireland every day.

There are many old habits in this country which have become socially unacceptable over the years. But it hasn’t stretched to the disgusting practice that is illegal waste disposal. Yet, where is the public outcry? Why is there not a more concerted campaign involving Government departments, state agencies and NGOs with the common goal of tackling the problem? I’m thinking about how we dealt with the likes of smoking indoors and using plastic bags. So why not dumping your crap on someone else’s property?

While the guards have the power to issue “on the spot” fines for littering, it is mainly left to local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency to police the problem. But do they have the resources to stay ahead of the dumpers? Well, no, is sadly the demonstrative answer, or we would not have farmers telling us about it on the radio. CL

Booming with Bertie

So are the boom times back? Well, if we use horse racing as a barometer then you might think so. Last Friday at Punchestown there were thousands of punters crammed into the Co Kildare track, all dressed to the nines, young and old. As the bands played, revellers stood seven deep at the bar. The corporate pavilion was packed. There were helicopters landing and taking off and bookies’ satchels bulging. But the real clincher was surely the sight of people taking selfies with Bertie Ahern.