As part of an ongoing awareness campaign, the local authority has reminded members of the public to be vigilant and always check that persons collecting their waste possess valid waste collection permits.

According to Sean Ward, Senior Engineer, Environment & Emergency Services Directorate, 'Under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2001, all waste collectors must have a valid Waste Collection Permit. If someone has their suspicions about a waste collector it is recommended that they ask the collector for their Waste Collection Permit number and then proceed to check it on line at www.lcc.ie/wastepermits or, alternatively, contact the Environment Directorate on 065-6846331.-

'Members of the public should also be aware that they might be liable for prosecution under the Waste Management Acts 1996-2005 if they are found to be using an illegal waste collector-, Mr. Ward added.

Clare County Council's dedicated multi-disciplinary Waste Management Enforcement Team, which was established in May 2004, continues to police and prosecute breaches of the law. Activities undertaken include the use of closed circuit television in suitable situations, the tracking of suspect vehicle movements, and the use of aerial surveys to detect illegal dumping in mountainous and bogland areas.

Further information on Clare County Council's Waste Enforcement Unit is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council on 065 6846331 or http://www.clarecoco.ie/.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Sean Ward is available for interview on request. Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900.