Lawyers representing Wicklow County Council have informed the High Court of the council’s intention to begin the clean up of a large illegal dump in West Wicklow.

The dump, at Whitestown between Baltinglass and Blessington, contains over 200,000 tonnes of rubbish, including some hospital waste.

That may be so; it is certainly not unusual at many locations across Ireland.

However, the last landfill site that I examined in Ireland, set against considerable concerns of illeglal deposit of clinical wastes heightened by the discovery of masses of needles and an occasional “care” item was not contaminated in this way.

Test pits revealed many tightly bundled masses of needles. Close examination showed no trace of any sharps bin remnants, and no plastic hubs on the needles. The close proximity to a needle manufacturing site and knowledge of a contract for waste disposal placed it beyond doubt that this was manufacturing waste and not clinical.

that this was manufacturing waste and not ncommon all across Ireland

Whatever else might be lucking in various Ireland landfill sites is a matter for considerable concern. However, a careful review of finds from test pits, thorough review of legitimate contracts, knowledge of the survival characteristics of deposited pathogens, and comprehensive risk assessment can allay fears and add a margin of safety through knowledge during any necessary remedial works.

Contact Blenkharn Environmental for further guidance.