‘Egregious’ dumping in rural area

A woman was convicted last week over the discovery of a large quantity of illegally dumped waste in a rural area.

Nenagh District Court recently heard that a complaint was made to Tipperary Co Council regarding waste dumped at a site at Annaholty, Birdhill.

Environmental Enforcement Officer Noel Searson gave evidence of visiting the site and finding rubbish piled in two locations.

The rubbish ranged from construction waste to a suite of furniture, timber, decorating material and children’s toys, including a bicycle and scooter. Photographs of the find were shown in court.

Also found was a brown organic waste bin belonging to Mr Binman and registered to Rachel Cuddihy of Bruach na Sionna, Castleconnell.

Mr Searson contacted the company on March 18 last and received confirmation that there was still an active account at that address.

A letter was written to Ms Cuddihy on April 20 but there was no correspondence in return.

The council engaged an authorised waste collector to remove the rubbish at a cost of €590. The defendant was not present in court.

Judge Marie Keane observed the “extraordinary” amount and variety of waste, which could have been disposed of at a waste management facility but would not have naturally disintegrated where it was.

The children’s toys appeared to be in good condition. The judge also observed that a large vehicle would have been required to transport so much material. She described the matter as “an absolutely egregious breach of the Waste Management Act”. Judge Keane imposed a conviction and ordered a bench warrant for Ms Cuddihy to appear before court.