Concern over increase in illegal dumping during COVID-19 crisis

€1 million in funding has been ringfenced by the government to tackle the rise in illegal dumping during the Covid-19 crisis.

Local authorities will be provided with funds to ensure they can respond quickly and decisively to local issues.

Waste removal and the installation of CCTV or other monitoring and surveillance equipment will be among the activities supported.

Fly-tipping has reportedly increased as much as 25% in Donegal since the Covid-19 restrictions were introduced.

The issue is prevalent nationwide, according to government spokesperson Elizabeth Canavan, as she announced that €1 million of funds will be used from the Anti-Dumping Initiative to reduce incidents of illegal dumping nationally.

Ms Canavan said: “Illegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. While enforcement action in this area is a matter in the first instance for local authorities, the continued support of government funding for this initiative facilitates a multi-faceted approach in tackling the issue. Household waste services are operating normally. Please use an authorised waste collector or your local civic amenity.”