'An unwanted gift under the tree,' Waterford council catch illegal dumpers in the act
Culprits caught in the act. Picture: Waterford City and County Council.
Two men have been fined after a council worker caught them red-handed dumping on the side of the road.
Waterford City and Council took to social media to tell the story and raise awareness of illegal dumping in the Déise.
“Looks like someone got into the Christmas spirit a bit too early!
“Two individuals left an unwanted “gift” under the tree in Ballyduff West on the N25, but a vigilant Council staff member spotted them in the act.
“Their festive reward? A €150 fine from Waterford City and County Council,” wrote the council.
While the incident was a good catch for the council, some commenters on social media pointed out that the fine is not exactly steep.
One poster pointed out that €150 is “cheaper than a skip” while another said the amount may be missing “a zero or two”.
Most commenters were in agreement that the fine for illegal dumping should be higher and does not pose much of a deterrent.
Former TD and social advocate Matt Shanahan commented that it should be at least €1,000.
“Commercial dumping should be Min 1000 euro fine - private household 500 euro. In all cases failure to pay should mean names publicly listed. No excuse for dumping - damaging amenity for everyone else,” wrote Mr Shanahan.
Other figures thrown out were €2,000 and €5,000.
And some posters suggested “naming and shaming” and publishing pictures on the front page of newspapers.
This incident follows another last week in Ballylaneen, Bonmahon, and is part of a growing problem in Waterford.
The council issued an appeal for information after discovering a large amount of rubbish dumped and said they believe it is the work of a “man-with-a-van-operation”.
Anyone with information on illegal dumping can contact the council on 0818 10 20 20 or by emailing contact@waterfordcouncil.ie.
