A litter warden followed a Falcarragh man and found him dumping electrical items in a field.
The man was convicted under the Litter Pollution Act after the warden followed a tractor and trailer from which waste, including electrical appliances, were deposited in a field.
Donegal County Council took the action against Joseph Gallagher of Ballina as a result of the incident at Cashelhill, Gortahork, on March 14th, 2017.
Gallagher was charged with depositing objects to create litter visible from a public place which was likely to cause environmental pollution.
Litter warden, Eoin McCallion told Falcarragh District Court that he had observed a green tractor and trailer in Falcarragh town loaded up with items including electrical appliances.
One of the appliances fell on the public road during the journey. The items from the trailer had been deposited in a field at Cashelhill.
The warden again followed the tractor which pulled in to allow him to pass. After showing his identification to the driver, the warden asked him had he a waste collection permit and was informed no.
“He said he had been transporting waste from Biddy Jack’s pub”, said Mr McCallion. The driver had stated that he was working for Josie Gallagher.
The litter warden told Judge Paul Kelly that he had taken photographs from a distance as the tractor proceeded along the road to the destination.
Defending solicitor, Jacqui Sharkey said her client had been having damaged items removed from the pub and nightclub following a fire at the premises.
He had the items taken to the location for the purpose of having them collected.
“He genuinely did not know that he was doing wrong. He has never dumped anything anywhere.”
Adding that her client had no intention of depositing litter, the solicitor referred to the fact that it was visible from the public road and he had not tried to hide it up in the mountains or any other concealed location.
“Mr Gallagher has no desire to destroy people’s property,” she added.
Judge Kelly ordered the defendant to pay €500 to the local authority after which he would strike the matter out.
The case was adjourned to November 21st.