Tyres dump probe call

Tyres dump probe call

19 March 2025

A CALL has been issued for a major investigation after over 100 tyres and the remnants of what is believed may have been an illegal drugs growing operation  were dumped in the Slieve Croob area.

The tyres were dumped at Drumkeeragh Forest, which was closed to the public at the time.

A short distance away on the Drumanquoile Road, industrial sized black bin bags containing compost and plants suspected to have been grown to harvest drugs were found. 

It is being claimed that the contents of the bin bags may have to be carefully examined and removed for disposal by a specialist contractor which could cost ratepayers several thousand pounds.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council staff visited the area on Monday after they were alerted about the waste and the PSNI have also been informed.

It’s being claimed that whoever dumped the tyres on the ridge of a secluded walking trail had an intimate knowledge of the forest park and were able to gain access with a large van or lorry while it was closed. There was no sign of forced entry.

An appeal has been issued to anyone who lives nearby and may have spotted or heard suspicious activity to contact the local council or police.

Homeowners with door bell cameras have also been asked to check the footage and to come forward if they find anything suspicious.

Local councillor DUP Alan Lewis has condemned those responsible for what he described as “industrial scale dumping” at Drumkeeragh Forest and called for an investigation into the incident.

He said the probe to find the culprits and the clean-up operation could potentially run into thousands of pounds.

“Whoever was responsible for these incident did not simply disappear into the night,” he said.

“Undoubtedly, ratepayers will shoulder the burden of this latest fly-tipping incident which is on an industrial scale.

“Dumping over 100 tyres on the ridge of a secluded walking trail demands an immediate investigation.”

Cllr Lewis said how those responsible gained entry to the forest remained a mystery and insisted there needs to be a detailed investigation.

“Residents with door-cam footage living along the route towards Drumkeeragh should check the footage and let council know if anything has been recorded,” he continued.

Cllr Lewis said the bin bags packed with plants were discovered at a car park further along the Drumnaquoile Road.

“Multiple bags of wrapped and loose compost waste have dumped and this was no amateur operation. The scale of this incident would have required a lorry or sizeable trailer to transport it to this location,” he said.

Cllr Lewis met with local authority officials on Monday afternoon and said that from the conversations he had with them the clean-up bill will “clearly run into thousands of pounds”.

He continued: “We need to establish exactly what is in the bin bags, what species of plant we are dealing with and has there been any criminal act beyond actually dumping the material.

“I’m no expert, but I would have my suspicions regarding what the bags contain.”

Cllr Lewis said there has been major investment in the Drumkeeragh area where walking trails have been improved and extended and new car park has been constructed at a total cost of  almost £500,000.

“This area is well used and it is a wonderful scenic, picturesque example of the beauty of our district,” he continued.

“It is a shame that unknown people have decided to repurpose it as a dumping ground.”

Cllr Lewis said the “bottom line” was that those responsible for both incidents “did not disappear into the dead of night”.

He urged anyone who can help authorities identify those responsible to come forward.