Concern over 'major health hazard' rectified as Limerick woman removes waste from her home

A LIMERICK woman who was prosecuted after she failed to remove a large quantity of waste from her back garden has now rectified matters a court has heard.

In October, a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Megan Brown after she failed to appear before Judge John King at Limerick District Court.

Proceedings, under the Waste Management Act 1996, were initiated by the local authority on foot of a complaint that was received from an auctioneer in November 2024.

Ms Brown, of Hyde Road, Ballinacurra Weston was present in court when the case was listed again on November 7. On that date solicitor Will Leahy confirmed the rubbish has been removed from the property and that Ms Brown has engaged the services of a licenced waste collection company.

A council official had previously told the court the defendant's letting agent had reported that a large amount of waste and rubbish had been disposed of at the rear of the rented property. 

Limerick City and County Council then served Ms Brown with a statutory notice which required her to remove the visible waste within 14 days. However, the notice was not complied with, resulting in court proceedings being initiated.

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During the most-recent hearing, Judge King was supplied with photos confirming that the waste had been removed. He was also informed that she is now signed up to a bin service which started on October 14 at a cost of €30 a month.  

Ms Brown, who has no previous convictions, was renting the property with others who vacated the property over time. She was left to deal with the waste which was previously described in the court by Judge King as a "health hazard". 

Solicitor for the defendant, Tom Kiely, told the court his client has a respectable job in a hospital setting and is earning approximately €500 a week.

He stated that she spent significant funds to clear the waste and will ensure that it doesn't happen again.

Mr Leahy had previously warned that a second prosecution would likely arise if the waste wasn't dealt with and removed as directed.

Noting that Ms Brown "has rectified the matter", Judge King said he was anxious that the council be allowed to carry out inspections to ensure there are no further issues.

He directed that inspections should be carried out as often as is required, subject to Ms Brown being given 48 hours notice of any inspection. 

Mr Leahy said the local authority had incurred costs of €1,066 in the case, but Judge King said a contribution of €500 would be sufficient, citing the defendant's circumstances.

He indicated he will apply the Probation Act if the money is paid by February 6, 2026, leaving Ms Brown without a conviction on her record. 

If the €500 is not paid by that date a conviction will be handed down and a fine imposed.