IFA calls for additional measures to tackle dumping in the countryside

IFA Deputy President and Countryside spokesman Tim O’Leary has called on the Department of Environment to increase penalties and fines on individuals who use the countryside as a dumping ground.

In a detailed submission to the Department of Environment, IFA has called for tougher measures to address the scourge of littering and serial dumping by passing motorists in the countryside. IFA has also called on the Department of Environment to take a lead role in addressing the issue by increasing penalties and directing local authorities to improve litter enforcement activity.

Mr O’Leary has demanded that the existing litter laws must be changed to remove the legal responsibility on famers to clean up after others. “Farmers cannot be held liable for litter dumped on their land and the laws must be changed so that local authorities pursue the culprits and take responsibility for the clean-up of this rubbish.”

He has also called for greater support from Government for rural anti-littering initiatives such as IFA’s The Countryside is Watching, which encourages users of the countryside to act responsibly and take their litter home.

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