Council Three-Year Initiative to Tackle District’s Illegal Dumping Problem

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is spearheading a new three-year education and enforcement initiative aimed at tackling environmental crime.

The project includes continued cross-border collaboration with Louth County Council and a review of the effectiveness of a CCTV system it introduced to reduce fly-tipping at dumping hotspots.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is to be asked for its help, providing details of available support and funding to help tackle illegal dumping across the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recently moved to strengthen its operational capacity across its Environment Department via the recruitment of new senior staff as part of a co-ordinated plan to provide a more proactive approach to the waste issue and strengthen community engagement.

Between early April 2024 and 7 January this year, there were 1,088 recorded fly-tipping incidents across the district, with the dumped material in towns and villages including beds, mattresses, chairs, bin bags filled with rubbish and builders’ waste.

Over the same period, there were an additional 124 incidents of fly-tipping across the district which included smaller items such as general litter, hot food takeaway rubbish, cans, plastic bottles and cigarette butts.

Council staff investigate all reports of fly-tipping and have powers to issue fixed penalty notices (£80 fine) for littering offences. More punitive fines are levied for fly-tipping involving bulky waste.

The Council’s new Head of Waste Processing and Enforcement and a new Education and Enforcement Manager will play key roles over the next three years when there will be a renewed focus on reducing illegal dumping through targeted education and enforcement campaigns.

The Council aims to strengthen its enforcement activity and enhance collaboration with its internal teams, neighbouring councils and external partners.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “There is an environmental and financial cost associated with all forms of fly-tipping.

“Illegal waste is not only unsightly but poses a threat to livestock and wildlife. It is unsightly and a blot on the landscape. People need to take their waste home with them or dispose of it properly. There is simply no excuse for not doing so.”

Cllr Campbell commended Council staff who work at the coalface keeping the district clean, criticising those who dump waste, especially in secluded rural areas, under the cover of darkness.

The Council Chairperson added: “We all have a responsibility to play our part in keeping the district clean. The irony of fly-tipping is that those who engage in such behaviour are paying for its removal through their rates. I endorse the Council’s new education and enforcement plan to tackle illegal dumping and encourage residents to play their part.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will continue its joint working with Louth County Council to reinvigorate the campaign to tackle environmental crime.

Louth Council and Newry, Mourne and Down have implemented a number of successful anti-dumping initiatives and will now identify further opportunities for joint learning, shared resources and cross-border projects, with the partnership ensuring the Council benefits from proven practice and avoids duplication of effort.

Fly-tipping incidents can be reported to the Council on 0330 137 4027 or email e.health@mandd.org