Last week, officials met as part of the Environmental Enforcement Network Waste Conference and they have now published a new Enforcement Network Bulletin Focus on Waste Enforcement.

The document shows that officials visited over 32,000 businesses in 2006 to assess their waste management policies.

It also found that fly-tipping is becoming a serious issue, as are the odours that emanate from waste facilities.

In particular, the report identified illegal collections and the poor management of construction and demolition waste as areas that needed improvement.

A statement added: “The Office of Environmental Enforcement is working with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland to share intelligence and gather evidence so as to ensure that the polluter pays and that those responsible face hefty fines and jail sentences.”

A recent report from Irish Business Against Litter and An Taisce found that businesses were being put off investing in Dublin because of the city’s persistent litter problems.

James Cooper

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