Judge hands down €8,500 in fines in water pollution and dumping cases taken by Limerick Council

LIMERICK City and County Council secured two environmental enforcement convictions at Kilmallock District Court on Tuesday.

A council spokesperson said, in a statement, that the convictions arose from separate investigations carried out by their Environment Department.

“In the first matter, the court convicted an individual under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 for failing to provide information lawfully requested by the Council under Section 23 of the Act.

“The information request, issued in August 2023, sought details relevant to an investigation into the condition of drainage infrastructure and the assessment of potential sources of contaminants at a stormwater outfall.

“Failure to comply with a statutory information request is an offence under the Act, regardless of the outcome of the underlying investigation,” said the council spokesperson.

Judge Patricia Harney imposed a fine of €5,000, the maximum permitted for the offence. The matter of costs was adjourned to a later date, according to the local authority.

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In the second and separate matter, the judge convicted an individual under the Waste Management Acts 1996 for multiple waste-related offences.

“The offences related to the unauthorised holding, storage, and disposal of various waste types, including household waste, end-of-life vehicle (ELV) waste, and construction and demolition material (see picture above).

“Such activities require appropriate authorisation and must be carried out in compliance with waste legislation to protect the environment and prevent pollution,” said the council spokesperson.

Judge Harney imposed fines totalling €3,500 and awarded combined legal and investigation costs of approximately €3,100.

The convictions form part of Limerick City and County Council’s ongoing regulatory programme to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, said a spokesperson. 

“The council undertakes investigations, monitoring, and enforcement actions to protect public health, maintain water quality, and safeguard the local environment.

“Limerick City and County Council will continue to use the powers available under national legislation to address pollution risks, unauthorised waste activity, and non-compliance with statutory requirements,” concluded a council spokesperson.