Let’s dump dire consequences on toxic dumpers

THIS last Sunday of February means it’s time for a spot of spring cleaning. Though for some, the year is nothing more than four foul and filthy seasons.

Dumping is an issue in rural Ireland, as you discover in the most scenic spots, where you inevitably come across black plastic bags spewing their toxic contents. Nowhere is sacred; woodland or mountain, hedgerows or behind crumbling stone walls. Be prepared to see all kinds of ugly things — from domestic waste to kitchen sinks — for a toxic trove contaminates much of our countryside.

Bringing back the old system of including bin charges in our taxes might help. Although many who desecrate our land are far from destitute, given they own or at least have access to vehicles that are big enough to hold fridges and can afford the petrol to drive somewhere remote to dump them. Often their rubbish includes the packaging from expensive new items.

The other sort of shameful citizen is from the horrible Hansel and grotty Gretel gang — people who toss plastic bottles and fast food wrappers from their car windows to leave a toxic trail along country roads.

If you think it’s no big deal, imagine if they dumped directly on our streets. The fact they do so out of sight makes it no more acceptable. They destroy the habitat of wildlife and our pleasure and peace in nature — not to mention the toll on tourism.

Worse, much of what is dumped, from milk cartons to children’s toys, is recyclable. As Melania Trump’s controversial coat put it last year, their attitude is “I really don’t care, do U?”

But if these callous cute hoors lack a conscience, they care about consequences, given the lengths they go to cover their tracks.

So why don’t we take a leaf out of our native Brehon laws, and apply practical punishments that hit them where it hurts??

Firstly, impose massive fines that offenders are forced to pay, deducting from wages or social welfare where necessary. And since these shysters have no qualms about laying their crap on our land, why don’t we follow suit by adding a few choice pieces of equipment? Installing cameras, both overt and hidden, would deter as well as catch them in the act.

Build a barrier system at the bottom of mountains or lanes where rubbish is regularly dumped, also with a camera attached, and ban large vans from going over it. Plus, put a weighing plate in the ground that can check if the vehicle is lighter after it leaves the area. If it is, the barrier won’t budge and the camera is triggered. The vehicle details are recorded and the council informed immediately. And confiscate the vehicle of all offenders.

Lastly, it might be worth riffling through some of those rancid plastic bags to identify these ignoramuses so we can add naming and shaming, putting up a notice at their place of residence, printing it in the local paper and informing their place of work.

That might make these vile versions of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons soon spring into cleaning up their act.