High Court Action Against West Wicklow Waste Disposal Company

A West Wicklow waste disposal firm will be before the High Court tomorrow in an attempt to

Andrew Phibbs' Property at Tinode near Blessington

restrain the company from dumping rubbish at Tinode, Blessington. The Injunction proceedings are being taken by Wicklow County Council against Andrew Phibbs who, it will be claimed, has been dumping the rubbish on his own property at Tinode over several months.

The case follows a series of complaints from residents in the area who claim that the situation has been intolerable with the rubbish attracting rats and flies and causing an obnoxious smell.

Wicklowtoday.com carried out its own investigation into the claims last week and found a huge

Is this your rubbish?

amount of rubbish on the Phibbs property although much of the refuse had been removed at that stage. However, in the time we were present, three fresh loads arrived and were tipped up on the property.

A number of residents complained bitterly that the dumping has seriously disrupted their lives and they are constantly living in the fear that the rats attracted to the area will cause a major health hazard, particularly to children.

Green Party Councillor, Deirdre de Burca today laid the blame for the problem on the shoulders of

Cllr. Deirdre de Burca: "intolerable"

Wicklow Co. Council for privatising the refuse collection service before setting up proper licensing procedures. `The privatisation procedure was done in a very hasty way. This man was one of the private operators used and recommended by the Council and now there is a situation where illegal dumping is taking place. It is intolerable and should not have to be endured by residents', said Councillor de Burca.