A multi-agency investigation has led to fines being issued in relation to the illegal dumping of 300kg of raw chicken in a rural area of Co. Meath earlier this month.
The chicken, which was dumped on roadside frontage in the greater Kentstown area, was discovered by landowners and farmers over the bank holiday.
The food waste, which could have potentially spread disease through birds, rodents and scavenging wild animals, was removed by Meath Co. Council who initiated investigations.
READ MORE: Over 600 tonnes of waste found illegally dumped in forest in Co Meath
This probe was also aided by members of the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and South Dublin Co. Council.
It resulted in detecting the source of the chicken and issuing a fine and clean-up costs to the food business premises
Meath Co. Council's litter warden Alan Nolan who was instrumental in the investigation says that it is thanks to the local farmers and community that potential dangers of the spread of disease was averted
"Following complaints from two farmers who discovered the raw chicken thighs and legs dumped in boxes along the road frontage of their farms and who raised concerns in relation to possible contamination, we removed the waste through a registered contractor as soon as possible and began cross-agency investigations," he said.
"The farmers had thankfully covered the boxes and meat with plastic to help stop rodents, birds and other wildlife getting it and possibly spreading dangerous illnesses like salmonella or botulism through dropping any contaminated meat near other livestock for ingestion
"Thankfully from evidence found, we were able to trace the meat to its origin, and fines and clean up costs were issued and paid.
"Most businesses are compliant with regulations on getting rid of meat waste but we want to highlight the dangers and serious health risks of this kind of illegal dumping."
"I'd like to thank everyone from all the agencies for their tremendous help in bringing this case to a speedy and successful conclusion"
Alan, who deals with illegal dumping on a daily basis in the East Meath area says that the problem is only getting worse and appealed to people to dispose of bags of rubbish and dashboard dining properly
"If you don't have a bin, bring your household waste to a recycling centre where there is a small charge. Local communities in Meath have been terrific in clean-ups of their area through the green kilometer initiative in which people take charge of a kilometer stretch of road near where they live
"It's awful to see discarded fast food wrappers on the roadside where people throw them out of cars, rather than smelling up their vehicles by keeping them in the cars until they get home."
In a statement, Meath Co. Council says: " Following the discovery of raw chicken products dumped in two separate locations in Co Meath in March and April of this year, Meath County Council Community Warden service worked in conjunction with Environmental Health Officers from the Health Service Executive, Investigators from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Veterinary inspector's from the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine and South Dublin County Council to investigate thoroughly.
"The successful investigation has resulted in the issuing a fine and clean up costs to a food business premises from where this waste was produced.
"Meath County Council would like to advise all Food business owners to please make sure all waste and animal by products are disposed of in a compliant and responsible manner. "
Anyone who notices any illegal dumping can report it to Meath Co. Council on 046 90 97200 or environment@meathcoco.ie
READ NEXT:
- Man dies in Donegal workplace explosion as tributes paid to tragic married dad
- Met Eireann long-range forecast shows news we’ve been waiting for amid 25C scorcher
- Young Irish woman critically injured after horror fall while taking selfie in Italy
- Jennifer Zamparelli gives her verdict on whether Dancing With The Stars will return
- Irish Government planning to ban vapes being sold to teens within months
