Angry councillors seeking higher fines for waste offenders in Offaly
Reporter:
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Angry local councillors in Offaly are fed up with the massive amount of illegal dumping and fly tipping taking place in our countryside and are demanding higher fines for the offenders.
Every councillor during the monthly meeting of Birr Municipal District said the level of dumping was appalling and sterner action needs to be taken.
They pointed out that the current fines are not enough of a deterrent to offenders and need to be significantly raised.
Cllr Eamon Dooley said the nub of the problem is that offenders are being prosecuted under the Litter Pollution Act when they should instead be prosecuted under the Waste Management Act. Under the former people cannot be fined any more than €150. Under the latter there's a maximum fine of €5,000.