Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten has spoken of the threats facing waste enforcement staff across the Connaught and Ulster regions, and his disgust at the evidence of illegal dumping broadcast this week.
He said that a programme by RTÉ Investigates, 'Ireland's Wild Waste', had revealed a "deeply disturbing world of environmental criminality".
"Like all who watched it I was appalled and I know those cases highlighted are either closed or currently under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency.
"My commitment to enforcement is absolute. I have demonstrated this through increased investment. More resources for the Environmental Protection Agency and the harmonisation of waste enforcement regionally by the 31 local authorities are key measures," he said.
Mr Naughten was speaking at the launch of the Regional Anti-Dumping awareness campaign for the Connacht/Ulster Region, which took place in the offices of Roscommon County Council.
In his speech, Mr Naughten spoke to enforcement staff and said he recognised the difficulties they faced in the region and that they would be supported by the EPA.
"You carry out your duties many times in the face of serious threats and intimidation. You are performing the essence of public service and I commend you and your work here today.
"It is therefore entirely appropriate that the powers, skill sets and enforcement expertise of all State Agencies are brought to bear in assisting you to confront this criminality," he said.
More: Ireland's WiId Waste
The Connaught/Ulster regional waste enforcement body (WERLA) is currently advising Donegal County Council in its response to the illegal dump site discovered by RTÉ Investigates on land outside Moville, controlled by permitted waste facility operator and collector Davey Transport Ltd.
This has involved an order issued to the owners of the site, under the Waste Management Act, not to attempt to clean or alter the site until a forensic investigation can be completed.
A similar order has been issued for a nearby site at Lecamy.
In a statement ahead of the RTÉ Investigates' programme, Davey Transport said it was co-operating with the council.
This week, Fianna Fáil's environment spokespweaon Timmy Dooley asked for Minister Naughten to answer questions in the Dáil about the evidence of illegal dumping that had come to light.
