asked the Minister for Local Government what regulations prohibit dumping of refuse in rural areas, particularly on roadsides; and if he is satisfied that they are both enforceable and are being enforced; and, if not, if he has any remedial action in mind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dumping of Refuse.
49.
The Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 1964, enable sanitary authorities to take action against persons responsible for dumping matter which is a nuisance or injurious to health and to make bye-laws for the prevention of nuisances arising from the deposit of rubbish.
The provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, enable planning authorities or the Garda to take action against persons creating litter by dumping organic matter or rubbish.
I am satisfied that these statutes provide adequate powers to control dumping in rural areas. The question of the enforcement of the provisions is a matter for the local authorities concerned.
Would the Minister agree the main problem is lack of sanitary services in certain areas, and also lack of council dumps. In view of the straightened financial circumstances of many local authorities at the moment would the Minister consider making money available towards the provision of these dumps so that this nuisance will cease? This is now a considerable problem not only for farmers but for tourist amenity areas.
Local authorities should provide in their estimates for such services where they are needed and I would strongly urge them to provide both refuse collections and refuse dumps.
Out of their own money?
These are essential in modern circumstances because of the increasing growth in towns and villages. The main difficulty is, of course, the practical one of detecting those who dump illegally because this is often done at night.
The rates are so high that the county council does not want to increase them any further: that is the main difficulty.
There is an easy way out.