The number of complaints received by the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to waste facilities has increased dramatically.
New figures published today show there was an 80% increase in complaints about landfills and waste sorting centres last year.
The agency also revealed that a hotline set up only a month ago has received 500 complaints of illegal dumping.
The EPA says that large-scale dumping of the type seen in Wicklow some years ago is no longer taking place.
However the agency is concerned about dumping along roadsides, on beaches and in forests.
Last year, the EPA received more than 1,100 complaints about environmental pollution.
The vast majority - some 60% - related to waste facilities.
On closer inspection, the figures reveal that six facilities around the country accounted for most of the complaints.
Foul odours were the main cause of concern, followed by noise and air pollution.
On a positive note - the report shows that the number of complaints against industry has halved - though the food, drink and cement sectors are still areas of public concern.
