Organised clampdown closes scrap operation
A SURPRISE swoop on a site that has been operating as an unauthorised scrap metal and waste operation has resulted in the seizure of 30 vehicles, a quantity of suspected green diesel, nine horses and 20 dogs.
A spokesperson for Limerick City Council has confirmed that the site, located on the Ballysimon Road is an unofficial halting site.
The major multi-agency operation, which was led by Limerick City Council on Tuesday had a strong Garda presence.
Inspector Paul Reidy of Henry Street Garda Station confirmed that members of the Emergency Response Unit, garda detectives, the traffic corp with rank and file members accompanied officials from Customs and Excise, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection and Limerick City Council to the five acre site where a crane and heavy machinery were put in place to dispose and remove the waste. including, cars, boats and trucks.
The operation targeted the removal of unauthorised waste including a cleanup of the facility which is continuing all this week.
Confirming that dealing in scrap metal and waste has become a lucrative trade, the gardai and local authorities say the crackdown on such operations has increased as a result of illegal waste facilities operating in the area.
Tuesday’s raid was the result of a decade-long legal action taken by Limerick City Council, which has faced increased pressure to regulate and close illegal disposal sites where hazardous wastes such as scrap metal pose serious health and safety risks.
Investigations as to the tax compliance of the site are underway, as well as efforts to establish whether social State benefits were being claimed in conjunction with the illegal waste disposal site.
Local authorities have declared pollution as being one of their major concerns in light of the dismantling and scrapping of cars and engines.
