Council issues warning on fly-tipping and littering

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has received a number of complaints with regard to incidents of flytipping/illegal dumping across the district in the last number of days.

Speaking about the reports, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhan Currie said, “the recent spate of fly-tipping is both environmentally and socially unacceptable as well as a public health risk to our community and staff and it has resulted in resources being diverted to clean-up such instances. These resources are needed to ensure that the Council can continue to deliver critical services. It is placing an additional burden on staff and resources at this unprecedented and challenging time.

I recognise that many people are using the opportunity of being at home to carry out some spring cleaning. However, with recycling centres currently closed in response to government guidance on closure of non-essential premises to control social distancing, I would ask that householders please store items at home until further notice.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Enforcement Officers are empowered to issue a £75 fixed penalty fine to anyone found littering. In more serious incidents the matter can be brought before the magistrates court and, upon conviction, fines of up to £2,500 can be imposed.  All instances of flytipping / illegal dumpling are fully inspected for evidence to identify the perpetrators and significant cases at this time may be reported to the PSNI.

The Council remains committed to ensuring that all critical services are delivered with minimal disruption and it would like to thank the residents of the district for their patience and understanding at this difficult time. The bin collection service continues to operate as normal at this time.