Councillor blasts fly-tippers

Councillor blasts fly-tippers

17 February 2021

A FRESH appeal has been issued to the Environment Agency to remove waste which has been dumped at the Downpatrick Road near Clough.

The waste has been left at a lay-by along the Tullymurry straight which Slieve Croob councillor Alan Lewis wants removed.

Accusing the Environment Agency of dragging its heels on the issue, he explained that the organisation is responsible for the removal of the waste material.

Cllr Lewis said he that initially reported the illegal waste issue to Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials who said the material was over 20 cubic metres and contained rubble and other construction type waste.

He said the removal of the waste was the Environment Agency’s responsibility.

“Despite numerous representations from council officials to the Agency I am disappointed that they are yet to receive a response,” he continued.

“Ultimately, the responsibility of this fly-tipping lies with the careless individuals who dumped it. Over recent weeks I have noticed that the volume of waste is increasing. It would appear that a number of people are dumping their waste at the lay-by with the material including household waste, cupboards and utility items.”

Cllr Lewis said it was “beyond him why anyone would use and abuse the countryside” when there were modern, household recycling centres less than five miles away.

Cllr Lewis declared: “There is no excuse for fly-tipping. It’s a disgusting discourtesy to your neighbours and is unwanted and unacceptable. Our countryside and rural villages are being treated as dumping grounds.

“The waste is an eyesore and an environmental hazard. Those responsible for dumping this material clearly lack moral integrity, preferring to skulk about in the dead of night. 

“My message to them is grow up, wise up and educate yourself as how to dispose of unwanted household items properly. Your actions represent your lack of intelligence and sense of belonging within our community.”

Cllr Lewis said local council staff had enough to do be without chasing after people who dumped their waste carelessly.

He added: “I am appealing to the Environment Agency to be more responsive in such matters and adequately and urgently respond to requests from Newry, Mourne and Down Council to remove this waste.”